I just finished reading Post Office by Charles Bukowski. Prior to reading I had seen a lot on Charles Bukowski mostly from this forum, most of it not too good. How he writes about women seemed to be a critique that many people shared. I’m not sure Post Office is the best book to read to understand this critique since it’s written from Henry Chinaskis perspective and Chinaski is a bit of a degenerate, but I’ve read the character is loosely based on his life so maybe this is also how Bukowski really felt. This is the only Bukowski book I’ve read so I’ll keep the critique limited to the book understanding that he may have other books out there that will put my review of him to shame.
The book was a quick and easy read; I liked that, more notches towards my new year resolution goal. Henry Chinaski being a deviant lended itself to some funny jokes and stories peppered throughout the book. But also the overall tone of the book was amusing, atleast for me. It’s what I’d imagine a book written by forklift drivers and construction workers would sound like.
When he speaks of a character his only description of their appearance is what sticks out, not too many details.
With women it’s usually how he’s attracted to them, “She had long blonde hair and was good solid meat”.
With men it’s usually something that ties back to how he sees them, “Jonstone liked to wear dark red shirts- that meant danger and blood” Not much else went towards describing their appearance but more of the type of person they were.
Henry, for all his complaining and gripes with the people in his life, seems indifferent to most that might break someone. Divorce? Ok. Moving away with my daughter? Alright. Death of an old flame? Happens. I see how someone like him could lose 11 years to a Post Office and hardly be aware.
I’m not sure where the story was going or if there was any lesson or theme to receive from it. Just kind of read like someone’s diary. I would have had a bigger problem with this if not for the entertainment. But I’m trying to find more wisdom in the fiction I read. Entertainment doesn’t hurt.
What’d you all think of the book?
by Tskahmeenwutever