Author:Charles Bukowski
Surfacing from the literary underground, Bukowski's wild and immortal stories have become cult favourites. This collection of anecdotal short stories demonstrates Bukowski's compelling semi-autobiographical style and his mastery of visceral language and the depiction of seamy underworlds.
Focusing on themes that recur throughout his work, from Los Angeles and bar culture to alcoholism, gambling, sex and violence, these pieces also introduce unexpected elements of fantasy and surrealism.
Not since George Orwell has the condition of being down-and-out been so well recorded
—— New York TimesCarver has made himself the natural successor to his true mentor, Chekhov
—— Financial TimesHe is alert to the unique, inconspicuous incident, when a life or a marriage may change course decisively
—— Sunday TelegraphCarver's stories celebrate some lasting aspects of the human condition, however minimal, conjuring up a quality of fellow feeling which gives the stories a compelling, dry-eyed poignancy, a melancholy but intensely moving authenticity
—— William Boyd , Daily TelegraphThere is nobody else like him. In some ways his pared-down style is an extreme development of the Hemingway style, but Carver writes about women and the ways men relate to them far more convincingly than Hemingway ever did
—— Frank KermodeCarver is a master of the clear, sharp, resonant detail
—— Daily TelegraphRendell's mesmerising capacity to shock, chill and disturb is unmatched
—— The TimesAffectingly raw and full of surprises
—— Ophelia Field , Sunday TelegraphSpikey, bleak stories you won't forget ... poignant stories, all of which stand immediate rereading
—— William Leith , ScotsmanHer stories are suggestively musical examples of rich, Glaswegian gothic
—— Alfred Hickling , GuardianAt last, Galloway's stories are back in print in one collection...savagely accurate, engaging and funny, she is one of our great contemporary writers
—— Independent on SundayA testament to the sharp eye and shrewd brain of Janice Galloway, one of Scotland's finest writers
—— The HeraldA writer of passion and virtuosity
—— Scotland on Sunday