I think I’ve read some 100 westerns over the years. However, this one is like none of the ones I’d read before. But then again, I was kind of expecting that. After all, this is a Richard Brautigan western. It was bound to be a little strange.

In "Hawkline Monster", he takes two elements, namely the western and gothic fiction, and combines them into a Brautiganish weirdness. It’s got hired guns, sexy twins, mad science, a big mansion in the country, a missing scientist, a monster, a thinking shadow, and so on. The plot is a total nonsense, but it’s a funny one, and that’s what really counts.

This novel has everything that has made Richard Brautigan one of my favorite authors. I think he is a writer who is definitely not for everyone. But I happen to like his writing a great deal. He has the remarkable ability to turn familiar subjects on their heads in the most entertaining way. That’s precisely why I like him so much, and this novel as well. It’s a unique and captivating read that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

This book was truly a revelation.

In it, I could detect the echoes of numerous writers whom I adored. There were elements reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy's "The Road", with its sense of desolation and the struggle for survival. Ross H Spencer's "The Chance Purdue series" also seemed to have left its mark, perhaps in the way the story unfolds. Flann O'Brien's "At Swims Two Birds" brought a touch of the absurd and the complex narrative structure. William S Burroughs' "The Dead Roads" added a certain edginess and the exploration of darker themes. And Johnny Stanton's "Mangled Hands" might have influenced the gritty and raw nature of the story.

It almost feels as if I am overextending myself by making these comparisons, but books like this are precisely the reason why it is so incredibly difficult to choose just one favorite. We are all, in a sense, standing on the shoulders of these literary giants.

The Hawkline Monster is presented in a simple and plain language, with short and uncomplicated chapters. Yet, it manages to create a vivid and disturbing image of a malignant glee wreaking havoc in a gothic house inhabited by a pair of beautiful women. The star of this book is Brautigan's stark language, which is made strange and captivating by his unique imagery. This forces the reader to perceive the thoughts and emotions that arise in a completely different way, adding a layer of depth and mystery to the story.

Richard Brautigan's works, regardless of what he penned, held a certain charm beneath their seemingly simple surface. This is especially true for the playful gothic tale, The Hawkline Monster.

The story features two kind-hearted killers for hire as its courageous heroes.

They didn't appear tough or mean; rather, they seemed to embody a relaxed essence derived from these qualities. They behaved as if they were privy to some unseen occurrence.

The seat of evil causes their blood to freeze in their veins.

When they were a hundred yards away from the house, the air suddenly turned frigid, with the temperature dropping about forty degrees as abruptly as the movement of a knife.

The book also contains an allusion to Thanatopsis, a mysterious and somewhat mystical poem by William Cullen Bryant.

The lines "Where rolls the Oregon, and hears no sound, Save his own dashings – yet the dead are there: And millions in those solitudes, since first The flight of years began, have laid them down In their last sleep – the dead reign there alone."

Perhaps this was one of the inspirations for writing this unique gothic fable, where everything, from start to finish, defies the rules of every genre.

The destiny of monsters, no matter how monstrous they are, is to be slain by chivalrous knights.

This little gem is truly a wonder.

It is crafted especially for all of you who have a penchant for pure imagination that is intertwined with a delightfully wickedly dark sense of humor.

This piece is not just any ordinary work; it is a metaphorical masterpiece.

It takes you on a journey through a world where the boundaries of imagination are pushed to the limit.

The dark humor adds an extra layer of depth and intrigue, making it a truly captivating read.

With its unique blend of elements, it has the power to engage and entertain readers on multiple levels.

Whether you are a fan of the supernatural, the absurd, or just a good laugh, this little gem has something for everyone.

So, sit back, relax, and let your imagination run wild as you explore the pages of this metaphorical masterpiece.

Although this self-described "Gothic western" is entertaining and quirky, it doesn't bring anything truly new or original to either genre. Based mostly around a Frankenstein-type plot, it fails to shake the foundations of occidental thought or literary tradition.

Today, it mainly serves as an interesting window into the late '60s/early '70s world of female, sexual, and urban liberation. In fact, it leans more towards being a hippie novel rather than a pure western or Gothic. It is fun and imaginative, but it lacks the emotional depth and profoundness of the more autobiographical novels of Brautigan that I have read and hold in higher regard.

Moreover, it sounds very similar to a Kurt Vonnegut novel. Are they kindred spirits, or was there some influence in one direction or the other? I'm not sure.

Overall, while this novel has its charm and offers a unique perspective on a particular era, it doesn't quite measure up to the works that have had a more lasting impact on literature.

When I started, I said to myself that it might turn out to be a worse work. But the further I went, the more I got attracted!

It is extremely creative, full of fantasy and appealing, in such a way that you simply can't guess what kind of event is going to happen and sometimes things occur in it that you laugh out loud because of their extreme simplicity and silliness!

It's excellent!

This piece of work has truly exceeded my expectations. At first, I was rather skeptical, thinking it might not be up to par. However, as I delved deeper into it, I found myself completely engrossed. The author's creativity knows no bounds, presenting a world filled with奇幻 and captivating elements. The unexpected twists and turns keep me on the edge of my seat, and the moments of simplicity and silliness add a touch of humor that makes it even more enjoyable. I highly recommend this work to anyone looking for an entertaining and engaging read.

Science Gone Too Far

Science has always been a fascinating and powerful force that has brought about numerous advancements and improvements in our lives. However, sometimes it seems that science has gone too far, venturing into areas that are much weirder than we could ever imagine. Take, for example, something that is much weirder than Hawaii. Hawaii is already a place of unique beauty and wonder, with its volcanic landscapes, tropical beaches, and diverse ecosystems. But there are scientific phenomena and experiments out there that are truly mind-boggling. In fact, there are 17 of them, count 'em. These could range from strange genetic mutations to mind-altering substances or even mysterious natural occurrences that defy explanation. It makes us wonder if we are truly ready to handle the consequences of science's ever-expanding reach.

As we continue to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge, it is essential that we do so with caution and responsibility. We need to ensure that our scientific pursuits do not cause more harm than good and that we are prepared to deal with the unexpected outcomes that may arise. Only then can we truly harness the power of science for the betterment of humanity.

Perhaps if I were 12 years old and reading this book, it might bring me a little joy.

At that age, the world seems full of wonder and possibilities. Reading a book could be a great escape from the daily routine.

I might get lost in the story, imagining myself as one of the characters, experiencing their adventures.

The words on the page could paint vivid pictures in my mind, making the story come alive.

Even if the book had some difficult parts, I would probably try my best to understand them, eager to learn and explore new ideas.

And when I finished reading, I might feel a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, having journeyed through a different world and come out the other side.

So, yes, if I were 12 years old and reading this book, it could very well bring a smile to my face and a spark of excitement in my heart.

My weakness lies in anything related to cowboys, so naturally, I couldn't walk past this western, especially one that is also Gothic. Alas, I was completely unprepared for all the absurdity, sex, nonsense, and repetitions that were about to bombard me.

This book is rife with meaningless dialogues, underdeveloped characters, a lack of a clear plot, multiple repetitions of senseless sentences, an overabundance of profanity, and monotonous prose.

The style of Brautigan's presentation is roughly in line with his level of development. I would never read such books again, not even if I were held at gunpoint. Of course, perhaps fans of exoticism and absurdity will take a liking to this work (and judging from the number of positive reviews, there are many such fans), but as the past has demonstrated, I am not one of them.

It seems that this particular book fails to meet my literary expectations. The combination of its various flaws makes it a rather unappealing read for me. However, I understand that different people have different tastes in literature, and what may not work for me might be a gem for others. Nevertheless, for now, I will be steering clear of such books and looking for something that can truly engage and captivate my imagination.

At nine o'clock at night, it was a good story, more than that! Absolutely!!

It was like a story from a child's dream.

I also have another book among my favorites that is part of the 1001 books. However, either I will read it sooner and my opinion about it will change, or it will be the last book that I will read!!

This story has a certain charm that makes it captivating. It takes you into a world of imagination and wonder.

The other book, being part of such a renowned collection, holds great promise.

I look forward to either experiencing a new perspective when I read it earlier or having a memorable finale with it as the last book I pick up.

Both the story and the book have their own allures, and I can't wait to explore them further.

I think a significant aspect of Brautigan's genius lies in the way his books give the impression of being written in a single, unedited burst. The prose has a free-flowing nature, as if he is simply improvising as he writes and doesn't bother to look back. This style works better in some books than in others, and unfortunately, this particular one didn't resonate as strongly with me. However, it's also possible that I wasn't in the ideal frame of mind to fully appreciate his unique approach.

Interestingly, I had been eager to read this book for some time. Then, quite by chance, I discovered a copy in a Little Free Library just down the street from my home. What made this library even more special was the associated miniature tableau it featured, complete with a tiny gnome and gnome-sized furniture. Many of my neighbors have these charming miniature scenes set up in their gardens - little castles, huts, and other delightful structures. It really adds an extra layer of interest and charm to walking the streets and admiring the houses.

In the end, while the act of finding the book was exciting, the actual experience of reading it didn't quite live up to my expectations. Nevertheless, I still appreciate Brautigan's distinct writing style and look forward to exploring more of his works in the future.

If Douglas Adams, the renowned author known for his unique brand of humor and absurdity, were to pen a Western, it would无疑 be a remarkable and unconventional creation.

His vivid imagination and ability to craft outlandish scenarios would surely bring a fresh perspective to the classic Western genre.

However, if we were to take this already extraordinary concept and remove all the jokes in the most mischievously comical way possible, it would create a truly curious and perhaps even somewhat disconcerting piece of literature.

The absence of Adams' trademark humor would leave the story with a strange and almost eerie quality, as if we were looking at a familiar landscape through a distorted lens.

Yet, it is precisely this element of surprise and the unexpected that would make such a work both fascinating and engaging, challenging readers to view the Western genre in a whole new light.