Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
29(29%)
4 stars
31(31%)
3 stars
40(40%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Accuse me of being intolerant if you will.

But I simply cannot let this pass. When I read those 50 pages and saw that there was not a single condemnation of what felt like an amnesty for a character who had condemned a gay man for his lifestyle and then proceeded to rob him and leave him in the woods.

How can such actions be overlooked or excused? It is a blatant display of injustice and bigotry.

We live in a society that prides itself on equality and acceptance, yet here we have a situation where a character's heinous actions are seemingly brushed aside.

This sends a dangerous message that such behavior is somehow acceptable or understandable.

It is our responsibility to speak out against such injustices and demand that characters be held accountable for their actions.

We cannot allow a culture of amnesty to prevail when it comes to discrimination and violence.

We must stand up for what is right and ensure that every individual is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their sexual orientation or any other aspect of their identity.
July 15,2025
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Oh dear,

what were we all thinking in the 60s and 70s? These have not aged well - although perhaps I should rephrase that because it implies that they were once good. They weren't.

Brautigan reads like someone who fell under the spell of Jack Kerouac when he was an impressionable teenager and never got over it. It's as if he became convinced that unexpected metaphors are profound and powerful simply because they're unexpected. This, however, doesn't necessarily translate into good writing. His use of such metaphors often feels forced and artificial, lacking the natural flow and authenticity that great literature possesses.

His other great influence appears to have been Hemingway. Unlike Hemingway, however, Brautigan's prose is not deceptively simple: it's just plain simple. There are no great depths to be revealed, there's very little entertainment to be had, and there are very few passages that demonstrate any great skill at manipulating the English language, let alone telling a compelling story. The simplicity of his writing sometimes borders on being simplistic, leaving the reader feeling unsatisfied and unengaged.

At least the three novels were all short. This brevity might have been a saving grace, as it didn't give the reader too much time to become completely bored or frustrated with the lackluster writing. However, even in their short lengths, they failed to make a lasting impression.
July 15,2025
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These were truly great.

I found myself liking the last one the best, but in all honesty, they were all of remarkable quality.

The Hawkline Monster evoked in me feelings similar to those I had when reading The Sisters Brothers.

I have a deep affection for the matter-of-fact absurdity that pervades all of these pieces.

I also greatly enjoyed Dreaming of Babylon, even though some of the dialogue was a bit excessive (where on earth does she put all that beer?).

And then there's Big Sur, oh Big Sur.

This is my very first encounter with Brautigan's work, a book that Nikki passed down to me ages ago.

I can't believe it's taken me this long to finally get around to reading it.

It's like I've been missing out on a hidden gem all this time.

Now that I've started, I'm eager to explore more of his writing and see what other literary treasures he has in store.

July 15,2025
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I recently read the book "The Hawkline Monster". It was truly a very quick and enjoyable read. The story moved along at a brisk pace, keeping my attention from start to finish. However, I must admit that it didn't have a great deal of depth. The characters, while interesting, could have been developed more fully. The plot, although engaging, didn't really explore any profound themes or ideas. Nevertheless, it was still a fun book to read and I would recommend it to others who are looking for a light and entertaining read.

July 15,2025
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From Trout Fishing... onward, everything that Brautigan wrote was truly an absolute delight. It was always so much fun that it was nearly impossible to put down the book, let alone attempt to describe the magic within its pages. Even after all these years have passed, it still remains an unadulterated joy to pick up and read once more. With The Hawkline Monster, he took his writing to a whole new level and went off with a resounding bang. Just try to picture The Sisters Brothers on acid! The vivid imagery and unique storytelling that Brautigan employs in his works are truly captivating. His words have the power to transport the reader to a world that is both strange and wonderful, filled with characters and situations that are beyond imagination. It is no wonder that his books have remained so popular over the years.

Each of his works is like a precious gem, waiting to be discovered and cherished by readers. Whether it is the lighthearted humor of Trout Fishing or the more intense and surreal nature of The Hawkline Monster, Brautigan's writing always has something to offer. His ability to create a world that is both familiar and yet completely different is truly a gift.

In conclusion, Brautigan's works are a testament to his creativity and talent as a writer. They are a joy to read and will continue to be enjoyed by generations of readers to come.
July 15,2025
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There are some items that I haven't read for more than 30 years and they are due for a revisit. Among them, Big Sur is perhaps the most well-known. However, Dreaming Of Babylon is my favorite. It is a very witty 40's style gumshoe story. The characters and the plot in this story are so engaging that it keeps you hooked from the beginning to the end. The author's writing style is also very unique, which makes the whole story come alive.


All of these items are well worth the return trip. Revisiting them not only brings back memories but also allows you to discover new things that you might have missed the first time around. It's like going on a journey to a place you've been before but seeing it from a different perspective.


In conclusion, if you have some old books or other items that you haven't touched in a long time, I highly recommend giving them a second look. You might be surprised at what you find.

July 15,2025
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Brautigan was one of the authors I discovered by reading Patton Oswalt's autobio. And let me tell you, I'm extremely glad I did. He has this truly minimalist humor that is just hilarious to read. The rating, however, doesn't really accurately reflect what I thought. You see, it's actually 3 books in one omnibus. I would rank them in the following way:


A Confederate General From Big Sur - 3 Stars. This book has its charm, but it didn't quite reach the heights of the other two for me.


Dreaming of Babylon - 5 Stars, and probably my favorite of the 3. It's a captivating and enchanting read that really draws you in.


The Hawkline Monster - 5 Stars, and one of those mindtrips of a story. It takes you on a wild and unpredictable journey that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

July 15,2025
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July 15,2025
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I was not a big fan of the first story, "A Confederate General from Big Sur". The plot seemed rather aimless, lacking a clear direction or purpose. It failed to engage me fully and left me feeling somewhat disappointed.

However, I did find some enjoyment in the other two novellas. Among them, "the Hawkline Monster" stood out as the best of the three. Its unique and imaginative storyline managed to capture my attention and hold it throughout.

Brautigan's style, in my opinion, seems to be cribbed from Kurt Vonnegut. There are certain similarities in their approaches to storytelling, but Vonnegut did it much better. Vonnegut had a way of making the absurd seem believable and of infusing his stories with a depth of meaning and emotion that Brautigan sometimes struggles to achieve.

Overall, while I did not love "A Confederate General from Big Sur", I was still able to find some value in the other two novellas. Brautigan has his moments, but he has a long way to go before he can match the greatness of Kurt Vonnegut.
July 15,2025
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The world needs dreamers.

A friend of mine just borrowed and returned this book to me. It contains my all-time favorite Richard Brautigan story and one of my favorite novels of all time, "Dreaming of Babylon."

The story is about an inept, daydreaming detective. He believes that the best thing that ever happened to him was breaking both of his legs. Why? Because then he could spend all his time in the hospital, completely immersed in his fantasy world of Babylon, without any distractions from the outside world.

This character's experience makes us think about the power of dreams. Sometimes, in the midst of our busy and often chaotic lives, we long for a place where we can escape and let our imaginations run wild. The detective in this story found that place within himself, and it became his source of comfort and inspiration.

Perhaps we can all learn from his example and take some time each day to dream, to imagine, and to create our own beautiful worlds. After all, as the saying goes, "If you can dream it, you can do it."
July 15,2025
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July 15,2025
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Richard Brautigan's works are truly captivating.

In "A Confederate General from Big Sur, Dreaming of Babylon, and the Hawkline Monster (Three Books in One)," published in 1991, Brautigan takes readers on a unique literary journey.

The stories within this collection are filled with his signature blend of whimsy, satire, and profound insights.

His vivid descriptions bring the characters and settings to life, allowing readers to immerse themselves in his strange and wonderful worlds.

Brautigan's writing style is both accessible and thought-provoking, making his works suitable for a wide range of readers.

Whether you're a fan of literature or simply looking for an entertaining read, this collection is sure to delight.

It offers a glimpse into the mind of a truly original and talented author, and is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the boundaries of fiction.

Overall, "A Confederate General from Big Sur, Dreaming of Babylon, and the Hawkline Monster" is a remarkable work that showcases Brautigan's literary genius.

It is a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.
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