Title: Come On In!
Author: Charles Bukowski
Type: Poetry
Page Count/Review Word Count: 288
Rating: 4*/5
Charles Bukowski – Come On In!
This book is one of several collections that Charles Bukowski prepared to be published after his death, and so if you’ve read any of his work before then you’ll know roughly what to expect. But what’s interesting is that the work here is more introspective than usual, and it gives you an insight into a different side of him as he came to terms with old age and mortality.
Of course, there’s plenty of Bukowski’s wisdom along the way, and the whole book is eminently quotable. It even ends on the line “drink from the well of your self and begin again”, which I’ve seen online a bunch of times. That’s the thing with his work – it sums up life in a way that few other writers have been able to accomplish, and even if you can’t directly relate with the experiences that he talks about, you can damn well relate to the emotion.
Come On In! also has the benefit of being aesthetically pleasing – it looks great whether it’s in your hands or on your bookshelf. It’s produced with a high quality print on the inside and out, and Bukowski’s unique style plays with line breaks in a way that makes it both easy to read, quick to whizz through and attractive on the page. He’s the kind of writer who can make popping zits sound beautiful, although you’re more likely to find a whore or a horse race.
So step right up and Come On In! – whether you’re an established fan or whether you’re new to Bukowski’s work, this is a great place to start.
Charles Bukowski
