The Beetle Leg
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Book Overview
The Beetle Leg, John Hawkes's second full-length novel, was first published by New Directions in 1951. After years of underground existence, this brilliant novel is emerging as a classic of visionary writing and still remains Hawkes's only work devoted solely to American life. As a 'surrealist Western" (Newsweek), and a violent and poetic portrayal of "a landscape of sexual apathy" (Albert J. Guerard), The Beetle Leg is a rich flight into the special vein of comedy that Hawkes had begun to exploit a decade before the popular acceptance of "black humor."
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0811200620
ISBN13:9780811200622
Release Date:January 1951
Publisher:New Directions Publishing Corporation
Length:159 Pages
Weight:0.40 lbs.
Dimensions:0.4" x 5.2" x 7.9"
Related Subjects
Classics Contemporary Fiction Literary Literature & Fiction Religion & SpiritualityCustomer Reviews
2 ratings
recommended by John Gardner
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
In Gardner's The Art of Fiction he sites two examples of the rare and difficult "lyrical" format: Finnegan's Wake, of course, and The Beetle Leg. Not an easy read, but not so challenging as, say, William Gaddis, a contemporary of Hawkes. (Both authors could be described as genius.) Beetle Leg has a very dreamy quality, along with a definite rhythm within the fragments of non-linear plot. It's like sudden moments of clarity flashing within a sleepy haze of resonating detail. And within that detail is an authenticity and intimacy that is both compelling and haunting Really a stunning piece of work.
Nobody writes like this anymore
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
This is a surrealistic western, basically, with language so odd, crisp, and surprising that every page has to be savored. Hawkes is a tremendously perceptive writer, whether he's dealing with the violent or the mundane. Readers should give this and THE BLOOD ORANGES a chance. His voice is strange, and takes time to grow on you; but once it does, his books begin to seem like a mixture of poetry and noir.
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