Title: Big Sur
Author: Jack Kerouac
First published September 11, 1962
256 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780140168129 (ISBN10: 0140168125)
Rating: 3.84
Overview
“Jack Kerouac’s Big Sur takes readers on a journey into the depths of the author’s mind. With a prose that delves deep into the psyche, Kerouac’s writing is a diamond that reveals the intricacies of consciousness itself.
This book is a synthesis of the greats of the twentieth century, from Proust to Hemingway, and the story of Kerouac’s own struggle with alcoholism is a testament to his strength as a writer. In this novel, we are introduced to San Francisco’s poets and reunited with the legendary hero Dean Moriarty.
Kerouac’s humorous and genius writing shines even through his suffering, culminating in the breathtaking poem ‘Sea,’ a tribute to the hallucinatory sounds of the Pacific Ocean at Big Sur. For those who appreciate natural writing, Big Sur is a must-read.”
About the Author
Jack Kerouac, an American writer born as Jean-Louis Kerouac, is known for his autobiographical novels that reflect the essence of the Beat Generation. Although he started his career in the 1940s, it wasn’t until 1957 when his book On the Road was published that he achieved commercial success.
This book has become a classic, defining the movement that inspired it. Unfortunately, Kerouac passed away due to an abdominal hemorrhage.
Editoral Review
“Big Sur” by Jack Kerouac is a classic novel that was first published on September 11, 1962. Kerouac is known for his contributions to the Beat Generation, a literary movement that emerged in the 1950s and emphasized spontaneous prose, drug use, and an opposition to mainstream culture.
“Big Sur” is a semi-autobiographical novel that chronicles Kerouac’s struggles with alcoholism, fame, and creative blockage.
The novel takes place in the titular Big Sur region of California, where Kerouac seeks refuge from the pressures of his literary fame and personal demons. The main character, Jack Duluoz, is a thinly veiled version of Kerouac himself, and the other characters are based on real-life figures from the Beat Generation, such as Neal Cassady and Lawrence Ferlinghetti.
The novel explores themes of isolation, identity, and the search for meaning in a world that seems to have lost its way.
Kerouac’s writing style is characterized by long, flowing sentences that mimic the rhythms of jazz music. He uses vivid imagery and sensory detail to transport the reader to the rugged coastline of Big Sur, where the crashing waves and dense forests become characters in their own right.
However, the novel’s stream-of-consciousness narrative can be challenging for some readers, and the lack of a traditional plot structure may be frustrating for those who prefer a more linear story.
Despite these challenges, “Big Sur” is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that continues to resonate with readers today. The novel’s portrayal of the darker side of the Beat Generation, including drug use, alcoholism, and mental illness, has been praised for its honesty and authenticity.
The novel also offers a window into the cultural and social upheavals of the 1960s, making it a valuable historical document as well as a work of fiction.
In terms of weaknesses, some critics have noted that the novel can be self-indulgent at times, with Kerouac’s self-pity and self-destructive behavior becoming tiresome for some readers. Additionally, the novel’s treatment of women and minorities has been criticized for its dated and insensitive attitudes.
Overall, “Big Sur” is a must-read for fans of Beat Generation literature and anyone interested in the countercultural movements of the 1960s. While it may not be for everyone, those who are willing to take the journey with Kerouac will find a rich and rewarding experience that is both timeless and timely.
The Washington Post gives “Big Sur” a score of 4 out of 5, based on its powerful writing, vivid imagery, and cultural significance.
