Charles Bukowski's book, Hot Water Music, was written in
1983. It is a collection of short stories, all
subject to
Bukowski's
blunt language and less that plesant subject matter. There are thirty-six stories, ranging from two
to ten pages. The first story, Less
Delicate than the Locust, is about an unmarried couple, one a writer (what
seems like a classic depiction of himself, or how he views himself) and his
girlfriend. The two meet up with another
couple, an artist and his girlfriend. The
four go out to a restaurant, order several bottles of wine, cause a scene, then
beat up the waiter. These stories do not
have a typical structure to them, they are much shorter than your run of the
mill short story, and often leave the reader feeling confused or upset. Strange characters pop up, such as Albert, the
man with four arms, a man who only becomes aroused in elevators, a couple who
can only have sex with people watching, and a couple who picks a fourteen year
old hitchhiker up and cuts him up, eats parts of him, and freezes others to be
eaten at a later date. There are many
bar flies, all with similar backgrounds.
Many of the protagonists have gambling problems, and rely on their friends’
generosity. Several stories are
written about writers or artists living off their rich girlfriends. Overall the stories are quite good, well
written, and to the point. They offer
quick entertainment, although they are not suitable for every audience. Many people could find his work offensive,
even vulgar. I however, find it very
entertaining and a welcome break from the conformity of regular stories.