Junky, William S. Burroughs' first published novel, displays none of the experimental writing techniques that characterize Naked Lunch and other later novels. It is simply a straightforward, hard-boiled autobiographical novel about drug addiction. It begins with the narrator, William Lee's, first experience with morphine. It follows his career as an addict and occasional dealer in New York City, New Orleans, the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, and Mexico City, ending abruptly when Lee decides to leave for South America."Junk" is the term Burroughs uses for all opium derivatives. The novel dwells extensively on the various forms of the drug, the culture of addicts and pushers, laws and enforcement practices, and the various methods for breaking an addiction. He develops and expounds his own theories on the physiology of addiction and withdrawal, which he calls "junk sickness." He addresses a number of what he calls myths about drugs, explaining, for example, that marijuana and cocaine are not physically addictive and claiming that it takes at least two months of regular use to create a heroin addiction. He also castigates a society that treats addiction as a crime rather than a "condition of being."Though Burroughs based Junky closely on his experiences, he screened out anything that wasn't directly related to drugs. He mentions a wife a couple of times, but we have no idea who she is or how she came into his life. Later there is a reference, and only one, to "the children." Nor is there ever the slightest hint that the protagonist is an intellectual associating closely with other poets and writers. The writing in Junky is mostly cold, clinical and detached. The narrator provides extensive descriptions of his symptoms, but scarcely any of his feelings. Occasionally, however, when describing a setting such as the forlorn landscape of the Texas border, the lineup of addicts in a New Orleans jail, or the shady characters in a Mexican bar, Burroughs' prose ascends to powerful and poetic heights.
Show lessJunky, William S. Burroughs' first published novel, displays none of the experimental writing techniques that characterize Naked Lunch and other later novels. It is simply a straightforward, hard-boiled autobiographical novel about drug addiction. It begins with the narrator, William Lee's, first experience with morphine. It follows his career as an addict and occasional dealer in New York City, New Orleans, the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, and Mexico City, ending abruptly when Lee decides to leave for South America."Junk" is the term Burroughs uses for all opium derivatives. The novel dwells extensively on the various forms of the drug, the culture of addicts and pushers, laws and enforcement practices, and the various methods for breaking an addiction. He develops and expounds his own theories on the physiology of addiction and withdrawal, which he calls "junk sickness." He addresses a number of what he calls myths about drugs, explaining, for example, that marijuana and cocaine are not physically addictive and claiming that it takes at least two months of regular use to create a heroin addiction. He also castigates a society that treats addiction as a crime rather than a "condition of being."Though Burroughs based Junky closely on his experiences, he screened out anything that wasn't directly related to drugs. He mentions a wife a couple of times, but we have no idea who she is or how she came into his life. Later there is a reference, and only one, to "the children." Nor is there ever the slightest hint that the protagonist is an intellectual associating closely with other poets and writers. The writing in Junky is mostly cold, clinical and detached. The narrator provides extensive descriptions of his symptoms, but scarcely any of his feelings. Occasionally, however, when describing a setting such as the forlorn landscape of the Texas border, the lineup of addicts in a New Orleans jail, or the shady characters in a Mexican bar, Burroughs' prose ascends to powerful and poetic heights.
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An incredibly accurate description of the life of an addict, whether now or 50 years ago. A must read for any lover of literature. One of my favorite books, and the first I have read of William S. Burroughs, but I'm hoping to add more of his work to my library now that I have discovered this work.
Show lessAn incredibly accurate description of the life of an addict, whether now or 50 years ago. A must read for any lover of literature. One of my favorite books, and the first I have read of William S. Burroughs, but I'm hoping to add more of his work to my library now that I have discovered this work.
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This book is the record of a dangerous filled with the glamor of filth and the grime of suffering. The narrative neither decries nor glamorizes "junk", but rather lays out a picture for the reader to absorb with his own eyes. This picture is often desperate and disturbing, but also humorous. The antics of the jonesing narrator keep the reader interested, and the plot is easily moved along by his need. The cast of characters around him, comprised by pushers, needy pests, and easily unlikable cops adds a good dose of humor. I find that these elements aide in presenting a more readable and quality work than "On the Road", by Burrough's contemporary Kerouac. Burroughs' debut novel gives us a fascinating glimpse into a world that many of us will never see. Perhaps that is to our benefit.
Show lessThis book is the record of a dangerous filled with the glamor of filth and the grime of suffering. The narrative neither decries nor glamorizes "junk", but rather lays out a picture for the reader to absorb with his own eyes. This picture is often desperate and disturbing, but also humorous. The antics of the jonesing narrator keep the reader interested, and the plot is easily moved along by his need. The cast of characters around him, comprised by pushers, needy pests, and easily unlikable cops adds a good dose of humor. I find that these elements aide in presenting a more readable and quality work than "On the Road", by Burrough's contemporary Kerouac. Burroughs' debut novel gives us a fascinating glimpse into a world that many of us will never see. Perhaps that is to our benefit.
Read more...