Factotum

Before I start talking about this book, I have to thank the person who introduced me to it for doing so — he knows who he is.

After finishing Factotum, this novel only kept me wanting to keep reading more of Charles Bukowski's work.

The American author works are biographical in nature, drawing on his own alcoholism and string of low-paying jobs.

Factotum, published in 1975, comically and sadly draws upon this area of Bukowski's life and could be best described as post-beat writing.

Factotum tells the story about Bukowski's alter ego Henry Chinaski, and his life of alcoholism and sex. Chinaski switches from job to job and from woman to woman while he drifts around America.

Bukowski's excellent writing has the ability to create a vivid picture of the event in order to describe everything in great detail and to make the reader see the entire picture. Bukowski masterfully illustrates Chinaski's utter degradation and unwillingness to move on.

The story is bittersweet with insightful observations of life. Bukowski will make you feel as if you were sitting at a bar next to him, quitting a job to go have a drink and meeting very different and bizarre women.

The story takes place in 1944 and it begins as Chinaski arrives to New Orleans on a rainy day. At that point, revolting characters he passes on the street who, though they are strangers, are a vivid part of Chinaski's life.

Eventually Chinaski finds himself back in Los Angeles looking for jobs, reuniting with old friends, sleeping with multiple women, being rejected by the only publishing house he respects and drinking. However, none of this will ever stop him or come between him and his love for writing.

Bukowski's writing makes this novel successful and engaging because of his cruel honesty and touching insights.