A Confederate General from Big Sur / Dreaming of Babylon / The Hawkline Monster by richard brautigan

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

The Hawkline Monster is, without a doubt, one of my all-time favorite short stories. It presents a perfect blend of surrealism and intense conflict that truly captivates the reader.

The story takes the reader on a wild and unpredictable journey, filled with strange and otherworldly elements. The use of surrealism adds an air of mystery and magic, making the story feel like a dream come to life.

At the same time, the conflict in the story is palpable and tense. The characters are faced with difficult choices and must struggle to survive in a hostile environment. This conflict keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, wondering what will happen next.

Overall, The Hawkline Monster is a masterful work of fiction that combines the best of both worlds: the beauty and wonder of surrealism with the excitement and drama of intense conflict. It is a story that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

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dimlion7

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

This statement seems to suggest that a particular collection by Brautigan is considered the weakest among his three. However, it also emphasizes that even the so-called "B material" in this collection is remarkably strong and unique. It implies that Brautigan's talent is such that even what might be considered less outstanding in his body of work still has a certain allure and power.

Perhaps this collection offers a different perspective or a slightly different style compared to his other more highly regarded works. But the fact that it can still capture the reader's attention and leave an impression speaks volumes about Brautigan's creative abilities.

It makes one wonder what makes this collection stand out, even if it is not regarded as the absolute best. Maybe it's the individual stories or poems within it that have a certain charm or a unique voice. Or perhaps it's the overall theme or mood that pervades the collection.

In any case, it's clear that Brautigan's work is worthy of exploration and appreciation, even if some of it may not be as highly lauded as others. Each collection has its own value and can offer something different to the reader.

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Nwstam

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I really liked it.

It was an experience that left a lasting impression on me.

The moment I encountered it, I was immediately drawn in by its charm.

The details, the colors, the overall atmosphere - everything seemed to come together perfectly.

It made me feel a sense of joy and excitement that I haven't felt in a long time.

I found myself completely immersed in it, forgetting about everything else around me.

It was like a little escape from reality, a place where I could just relax and enjoy.

Even now, as I think back on it, I can't help but smile.

I know that this is something that I will remember for a long time to come.

It has become a part of my memories, a precious moment that I will cherish.

I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to experience it and I look forward to more like it in the future.

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GuiltySpark449

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

All three of these short novels are highly entertaining.

They each offer unique and engaging stories that capture the reader's attention from start to finish.

However, among them, I especially found myself thoroughly enjoying Dreaming of Babylon.

It is Brautigan's bizarro noir satire that truly stands out.

The novel weaves a strange and captivating tale that combines elements of mystery, humor, and social commentary.

Brautigan's writing style is distinct and engaging, drawing the reader into a world that is both familiar and yet completely different.

The characters in Dreaming of Babylon are vividly portrayed, each with their own quirks and idiosyncrasies.

The plot twists and turns, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat and eager to discover what will happen next.

Overall, Dreaming of Babylon is a truly remarkable short novel that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for an entertaining and thought-provoking read.

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Zerofuku_

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Note: I am marking this as read because it is the only "Dreaming of Babylon" title that comes up in Goodreads.

Lately, I have been completely immersed in the world of Brautigan. I began with "A Confederate General in Big Sur," which introduced me to his unique style. Then, I delved into "In Watermelon Sugar," and most recently, I picked up "Dreaming of Babylon." To my surprise, this last one turned out to be by far my favorite.

It had me laughing out loud on numerous occasions. The silly situations and characters were truly a delight. It was as if Brautigan had created a world where the absurd was the norm, and I couldn't get enough of it. What's more, "Dreaming of Babylon" seemed to have a more developed story compared to the first two books. Even though the plot was rather ridiculous at times, it still managed to hold my attention from start to finish.

This book is definitely a fun and quick read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for something a little different and entertaining. It's a great escape into a world of Brautigan's imagination.

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Penicilina98

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I have an unwavering love for all things related to Brautigan. His works have a certain charm that always manages to draw me in. However, among all of his books, this particular one holds a special place in my heart as it is my absolute favorite.

Interestingly, it was also the very first book that introduced me to his unique style of writing way back in high school. At that time, I was just beginning to explore different authors and literary works. When I picked up this book, I was immediately captivated by Brautigan's vivid descriptions and his ability to create such engaging and imaginative stories.

Since then, I have devoured all of his other books, but this one still remains at the top of my list. It has a certain magic that keeps me coming back to it time and time again. I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a great read and wants to experience the genius of Brautigan's writing.

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Sad-Kiritsugu

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I just couldn't finish this book.

For me, it is not the best written. The language seems rather平淡 and lacks the engaging quality that would keep me hooked. Nor is the story that interesting. It fails to capture my imagination and hold my attention from start to finish.

My recommendation for this book is not to bother. There are so many other wonderful books out there that are better written and have more captivating stories.

Mr. Brautigan, you might have had an interesting time with your friend, but this book is not my idea of a good book. It doesn't meet my expectations in terms of either writing style or story content.

I'm sure there are readers who will appreciate your work, but unfortunately, I'm not one of them.

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MurasakiNoTsuki

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

This book was truly terrific. As the title clearly indicates, it is composed of three novels.

I initially began reading "The Hawkline Monster" first, influenced by the enthusiastic recommendations of a friend. I have to admit that I was extremely glad I made that choice. The tale was both strange and supernatural, yet also hilarious. It possessed all the characteristic features of a Brautigan novel. In terms of the plot, it takes a considerable amount of time to reach the Hawkline Monster, but the journey itself is one of the aspects that makes Brautigan's works so enjoyable to read.

After completing "Hawkline," I then moved on to "Dreaming of Babylon," the middle book. This story was great, although not quite as outstanding as "Hawkline." It is a private investigator story that reminded me of Chandler's "The Big Sleep," except that this one was far funnier. Placing crazy people in crazy situations is indeed a great formula for Brautigan to utilize.

The last story was my least favorite among the three, yet at times it was also one of my favorites. Some of Brautigan's individual sentences were truly lovely. Once again, it employs the formula of crazy people in crazy situations, but its setting is significantly different.

If I were you, I would definitely read this book. Starting from the front and reading straight through, as normal people do, might not be a bad idea. That way, the greatness of the stories builds up gradually, although I had no issues reading them in the reverse order.

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A Confederate General from Big Sur / Dreaming of Babylon / The Hawkline Monster

richard brautigan

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Lee Mellon

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richard brautigan

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