Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
31(31%)
4 stars
32(32%)
3 stars
37(37%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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The Abortion: An Historical Romance 1966

It has been a significant number of years since I last delved into anything written by Richard Brautigan. Although his fiction may seem somewhat outdated in the present day, he still remains a captivating fiction writer. This is not only due to his simple style but also because of his unconventional metaphors.

The story features the most beautiful woman in the world and the cloistered librarian of the world's strangest library. We are taken on a journey to Tijuana for an abortion. The event is described from the librarian's perspective, so the details of the procedure itself are not depicted. Instead, the observation of all the peripheral actions of the doctor, his assistants, and other couples provides us with a vivid picture of what might have been the typical illegal abortion experience for couples in the 60s.

In the end, the main characters in the novel break free from self-imposed boundaries, and we are led to believe that they move on to a brighter future.

Revenge of the Lawn.

Not overly impressive.

So the Wind Won't Blow it All Away.

This novel reminds me of the Brautigan fiction I read in the 70s. There is an atmosphere of melancholy as we follow the narrator's reminiscences, who describes the days of his youth during the Depression. The description of characters and scenes in this narrative almost seems as if they are being viewed through a dusty lens, making them appear gauzy and dreamlike. Perhaps the author is telling us that he is remembering those long-ago days and writing about them so that the "wind," a metaphor for Time, "won't blow it (Memories of the Depression) all away" like America's Dust Bowl of the Thirties.

Overall, Brautigan's works offer a unique perspective on different eras and human experiences, despite their flaws and the passage of time.
July 15,2025
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It's truly a great pity that "the wind won't blow it all away" is out of print.

This novella, which is included within the anthology, holds a special charm and significance.

It has the power to transport readers to a different world, filled with vivid characters and a captivating storyline.

The writing style is engaging and the themes explored are thought-provoking.

Unfortunately, due to its being out of print, many readers may miss the opportunity to experience this wonderful piece of literature.

It is hoped that perhaps in the future, it will be reprinted and made available once again for a new generation of readers to discover and enjoy.

Until then, those who have had the privilege of reading it can cherish the memories and share their love for this great novella with others.

July 15,2025
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Brautigan's works have an enchanting charm that always manages to bring a smile to my face. It's a consistent source of joy, regardless of whether the emotions evoked are of a happy or a bittersweet nature. These three particular books are no different in adhering to this wonderful rule. Each page is filled with his unique style and vivid imagination, transporting the reader into a world that is both familiar and yet completely unexpected. The characters he creates are so鲜活 and real that they seem to leap off the pages and into my heart. His writing has the power to make me laugh out loud one moment and then touch my soul with a profound sense of sadness the next. It's this ability to evoke such a wide range of emotions that makes Brautigan's books truly special and a delight to read.

July 15,2025
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Stories as simple and creepy as the author's moustache.

These are the kind of tales that have the power to send shivers down your spine with their unassuming yet eerie nature. Just like a moustache that might seem ordinary at first glance but can hold a certain mystery or even a hint of something sinister, these stories draw you in with their simplicity.

They often start with a seemingly mundane situation, perhaps a quiet street at night or an old, abandoned house. But as you progress through the story, you begin to sense the underlying creepiness.

The author weaves a web of suspense and unease, using vivid descriptions and carefully chosen details to create an atmosphere that lingers in your mind long after you've finished reading.

Whether it's a supernatural encounter, a psychological thriller, or a story of hidden secrets, these simple and creepy tales have a way of tapping into our deepest fears and leaving us with a sense of lingering dread.

So, if you're in the mood for a good scare, look no further than stories as simple and creepy as the author's moustache.
July 15,2025
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If we say that "Trout Fishing in America" is great, then we can indeed say that it is good. This work holds a certain charm and allure. It may offer readers a unique perspective on fishing or perhaps on the American landscape and way of life.

The title itself evokes images of the peaceful pursuit of trout in the beautiful waters of America. It could potentially transport the reader to a place of tranquility and natural beauty.

Maybe within the pages of this piece, there are descriptions of the techniques used to catch trout, the excitement of the chase, and the satisfaction of a successful catch.

Or perhaps it delves deeper into the cultural and historical significance of trout fishing in America. It could explore how this activity has evolved over time and its place in the hearts and minds of Americans.

In conclusion, while we may simply say that "Trout Fishing in America" is great, upon further examination, we can see that it is truly good in many aspects.
July 15,2025
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The inherent Californian within me simply cannot refrain from relishing the rather absurd hippie-dippy nature of this book.

California is known for its unique and often unconventional culture, and this book seems to embody that spirit perfectly.

The hippie-dippy qualities it possesses add a certain charm and quirkiness that I find truly enjoyable.

It's as if the book is a portal into a world of free-spiritedness and a laid-back attitude.

Perhaps it's the way the author presents the ideas or the language used that evokes this sense of hippie-dippy-ness.

Whatever the reason, I can't help but be drawn to it and find myself thoroughly entertained.

It's a refreshing departure from the more mainstream and traditional literature that I usually encounter.

This book allows me to embrace my inner Californian and soak up the carefree vibes that it exudes.

I look forward to seeing what other adventures and insights this hippie-dippy book has in store for me.
July 15,2025
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This book, in all honesty, probably merits around 3.5 stars.

"Revenge of the Lawn" was approximately a 3.5 for me. It had its moments that kept my interest.

However, "The Abortion" failed to hit the mark. There was just too much repetition of the same ideas, which made it a bit tiresome to read. I would rate it a 2.5.

"So the Wind Won't Blow..." was by far my favorite. It had a unique charm and a story that really engaged me. I'd give this last novella a 4.5.

Overall, the book was an enjoyable read at times. There were some good parts that made it worth picking up. But, it wasn't anything truly outstanding or worth writing home about. So, instead, I guess I'll just write about it on Goodreads.

Maybe someone else will have a different perspective and find more to love in this collection of stories.
July 15,2025
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This guy writes sentences that have stuck with me for years.

His words have a certain charm and power that makes them linger in my mind.

Each sentence seems to carry a profound meaning or evoke a specific emotion.

Whether it's a simple phrase or a complex thought, his writing has the ability to touch my heart and make me think.

I often find myself reflecting on these sentences, trying to understand their deeper significance.

They have become a part of my intellectual and emotional landscape, influencing my perspective and inspiring me in my own writing.

It's truly remarkable how the written word can have such a lasting impact.

I am grateful to this guy for his wonderful sentences that continue to resonate with me after all these years.

His writing serves as a reminder of the beauty and power of language, and I look forward to seeing what new sentences he will create in the future.
July 15,2025
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Today, after noon, my mind was filled with feelings that I couldn't put into words and I was thinking about events that couldn't be captured in any word or sentence and had to be looked at as a band-aid on a wound. A band-aid that could stick together the pieces of my childhood memories that had no shape and no meaning.




These memories, though fragmented and seemingly meaningless, hold a special place in my heart. They are like scattered puzzle pieces that I am trying to fit together to form a complete picture.




Sometimes, when I close my eyes, I can see flashes of those childhood moments, but they disappear as quickly as they come. It's as if they are teasing me, taunting me to try and remember more.




I long to hold onto these memories, to preserve them before they fade away completely. But I know that time is cruel and memories have a way of slipping through our fingers.




So, for now, I will continue to look at these fragmented memories as a band-aid on a wound, hoping that one day, I can piece them together and find the true meaning and beauty within.
July 15,2025
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"The Abortion" is an extremely odd and yet funny book. It may not be a literary masterpiece, but it serves as a great means to pass a Saturday afternoon.

The stories in "Revenge of the Lawn" bear resemblance and strike a diverse range of notes. Mostly they are wry, a bit on the silly side, definitely odd, and at times, truly beautiful. They are always full of surprises.

What's more, these stories are very, very short and easy to read. This makes it a wonderful book to simply flip through and get lost in for a while. It offers a unique escape from the ordinary, presenting a world of strange and interesting tales that can amuse and engage the reader.

Whether you're looking for a lighthearted read or something to spark your imagination, this book has something to offer. So, pick it up, relax, and let the odd and wonderful stories take you on a brief but enjoyable journey.
July 15,2025
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The Abortion
This book gets three stars. It's not an absolute must-read that will blow you away, but I'm still glad I picked it up. It really made me think deeply. It begins as a tale about a strange library for unpublished books. The library is always open, which means the librarian who works there can never leave, not even to buy groceries! Then the story takes a turn and becomes about a trip to Tijuana so the librarian's girlfriend can have an abortion. I'm certain this had much more immediate significance when the story was written, considering abortions were illegal at that time. Thank goodness for Roe v. Wade, and may it always remain in place! This is the first Brautigan book I've read, so I have nothing to compare it to. It seems as if he was testing the waters to see if he could tell a great story with the most minimal language possible. His use of language is unique and quirky, and I have a soft spot for that kind of thing.



So the Wind Won't Blow...
This one only gets two stars. It was written close to the time the author committed suicide, and it's very evident that his mental state had deteriorated by then. Some of the writing is decent, but he appears to have lost sight of the point of the story he was attempting to tell. It's said that this story foreshadowed his suicide, although I'm not entirely sure how.



Revenge of the Lawn
It consists of a whole bunch of very short pieces. I've only read about 30 pages so far. The quality varies widely, but there's enough entertaining stuff here to make it worth my while to keep reading and discover the good parts. It's almost as if they published all of his random scribblings and musings that didn't fit anywhere else. Some of them are only a few sentences long.
July 15,2025
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Reading Brautigan is always a great pleasure.

These three books serve as excellent examples of him during his prime. His writing style is simple, yet funny, and there is an oddly dark undertone.

There truly isn't anyone quite like him. He is a unique product of his times, specifically the 1950s and 1960s.

W.P. Kinsella, the author of Shoeless Joe, always held him in high regard and even went so far as to write a series of short stories that he named "Brautigans".

These stories took strange and unexpected turns and twists, making them all a wonderful source of entertainment to read.

Brautigan's work has a charm and allure that is truly captivating, and once you start reading, it's hard to put his books down.

His ability to blend humor and darkness in such a seamless way is a testament to his talent as a writer.

Whether you're a long-time fan or new to his work, these three books are sure to delight and engage you.

So, pick up a Brautigan book today and experience the magic for yourself.

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