Tropic of Cancer

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An entertaining read - Rated
Can anyone do perversion, sensuality and brutal honesty better than Henry Miller? Miller's writing can at times border on the self-obsessed, but perhaps that's due to his associating with Anais Nin, another profoundly self-absorbed (but equally skilled) writer. It's clear to see that Miller was interested in only one thing: himself. Nonetheless, this book makes for fascinating reading and there's no denying that Miller's prose is beautiful.

Energy, Life, Positivity - Rated
(Tropic of Cancer is the best example of Henry Miller's writing, and I will concentrate here on his writing in general, because there is no plot, characters or story to review in the conventional sense).

Many people comment on Miller's supposed eroticism or accuse him of being 'egotistical'. Both attitudes miss the point. You will be hard pressed to find his sexual adventures erotic or titillating - often funny, and more symbolic than anything, they generally make up much less than 10 per cent of his writing. As for being egotistical, well, he writes about himself - but then, the entire act of writing a book may be considered egotistical, otherwise the author would not bother the publisher in the first place.

Miller's writing is much more about being alive in way that tries to take in everything in the world at once (which can be too much for some people), and he conveys an energy and optimism that people seem to overlook when distracted by his frequent swearing (almost always 'sexual swearing'). His words resonate with a life force I have never found in another writer, and one can see how he inspired the beat generation.

His attitude to women tends also to be criticised, but he is no misogynist; he lived in a time where women had a place, and it was generally by the kitchen sink. Miller is only interested in enjoying frequent sex with as many women as possible, which at the time would have been more liberating than opressive. Also, Miller never comes out with any nonsense about how women should stay at home, or not go out to work, nor does he ever seem to want to control women. He treats men and women with equal disrespect, and is honest about himself in a way few writers dare to be.

If you enjoy Hunter S. Thompson, Charles Bukowski, Allen Ginseberg or any of the beat generation or their followers, check out Henry Miller, as he is the source of energy from which all these writers drew some inspiration.

immense - Rated
the first henry miller book i read and still the best (mind you i've only managed three so far). to put it lightly, he was a very intense chap. you get the feeling he wrote it all as fast as he could. it's about when he lived in paris, the friends he made, the hunger he experienced and the near-endless stream of whores he dipped into. it's brilliant because he's so passionate, dark but funny in places. like nothing i'd ever read.

Life changing - Rated
This is an amazing book. If you're young, confused, full of energy yet not sure how to use it or express yourself, this book is a bible. Miller shows how the essential core of human self-belief can guide you through any adversity. Self-awareness, love of life and acceptance of the fact that anything is possible with sheer faith are at the heart of this book; on the surface is an intensely funny and readable picaresque odyssey full of earth and sex. You can read it and re-read it and it will always make you feel that life is worth it.

Love or Hate - Rated
I have often heard it commented that Miller is an author you'll either love or hate... Tropic of Cancer is gritty, sometimes crude, but always honest. Miller is one of those authors that lives what he writes, and I found it hard not to love the sometimes fragmatic portrayal of his time in Paris. Tropic of Cancer and its sister book Tropic of Capricorn are two compelling reads, highly recommended.