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Comment by metalrain | Hacker News Reader

Bukowskis work really struck me when I was in my twenties. I'm not sure it would now.

Agreed. I just feel bad for him now, it appears he was very depressed and that's nothing to romanticize.

Most people do not romanticize or seek to emulate Bukowski although I know at least one person who does. Bukowski lived a life that I wouldn't like to trade places with which is what makes him interesting. I can only read about so many scientists and thinkers who lived their lives beyond reproach all day every day.

Most people do not romanticize or seek to emulate Bukowski

Sounds like you’ve never experienced the joys of online dating.

Be thankful for this

How's Bukowski related to online dating?

Possibly he is referring to constant rejection and feeling worthless. Although, Henry Chinaski was getting laid a lot.

No not quite. I’ve just seen an awful lot of quotes from a few of his books and poems used almost like strange personal affirmations in dating profiles.

Henry Chinaski was getting laid a lot after writing his first book.

Came here wondering about the same thing. I read him in high school but not sure I'd read him now in my fifties. Same with Salinger. I guess I'll check out one of his books and give it a try but wondering if there are any older Bukowski fans here to comment.

I re-read the four novels some time back (Ham on Rye, Factotum, Post Office and Women) and they were still effective. My reaction to them was a bit different from when I was in my 20s, of course (I'm now 50), and also knowing what I know about his actual life. The vastly exaggerated womanizing came across as sad and desperate. He was driven and gifted and downplayed both of these things to create an impression of a life idled away. I now realize it was an affectation.

I didn't realize it at the time, but Women really ended on a "And they lived happily ever after" vibe. At the end of the day, the books boil down to a search for love and understanding.

Of course, that's just my impression and you may disagree. For sure the guy was a hell of a writer. His ability to create a certain atmosphere in only a few sentences was without peer.

Thanks for the summary - I think I'll give him another go.

He really struck his girlfriends too, I hear.

Please don't do this here.

struck his girlfriends

Multiple girlfriends? Repeatedly?

I'm aware of 2 incidents involving Linda King. With other incidents (involving which girlfriends) are you referring to?

I won't defend his behavior - but please, let's be accurate here.

Super important to be ultra careful about how many times this man hit a woman.

No, I just don't see the value in hyperbole -- or outright factual misrepresentation.

So, how many times is acceptable?

That's not the point.

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