Discover books similar to "Factotum"
Charles Bukowski
Factotum
3.97
"Factotum" by Charles Bukowski is a novel that follows the life of Henry Chinaski, a young man who drifts from one job to another, always searching for something more but never quite finding it. The book, published in 1975, is a raw and unapologetic look at the life of a struggling worker, and the impact that alcohol, women, and the pursuit of meaning have on his existence. Bukowski's writing is gritty and real, capturing the essence of what it means to be a "factotum" - a jack-of-all-trades who is always on the move, never settling down. The novel is set in the 1940s and 1950s, and Chinaski's experiences reflect the hard-drinking, hard-living culture of the time. From working as a Western Union messenger to a parking lot attendant, Chinaski's jobs are menial, but Bukowski imbues them with a sense of dignity and purpose. At its core, "Factotum" is a novel about the search for meaning in a world that often seems devoid of it. Chinaski is a flawed and complex character, prone to bouts of self-pity and self-destructive behavior, but he is also fiercely independent and fiercely loyal to those he cares about. Through his experiences, Bukowski explores themes of alienation, loneliness, and the human desire for connection. "Factotum" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever felt adrift in the world. Bukowski's writing is visceral and unforgettable, and his portrayal of Chinaski is both brutal and tender. This is a book that is not to be missed, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it...
List of books similar to "Factotum":
Charles Bukowski
Post Office
If you enjoyed the raw and unapologetic style of 'Factotum', you'll likely appreciate 'Post Office'. This novel follows the life of Henry Chinaski, Bukowski's alter ego, as he works for the United States Postal Service. It's a gritty, humorous, and sometimes disturbing look at the life of a man struggling to find meaning in a world he sees as absurd.
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Charles Bukowski
Ham on Rye
In 'Ham on Rye', Bukowski continues the story of Henry Chinaski, this time focusing on his formative years. This novel offers a bleak yet compelling portrait of a young man's journey through adolescence and into adulthood, marked by alcoholism, violence, and a relentless pursuit of individuality.
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Jack Kerouac
The Dharma Bums
If you're drawn to the themes of alienation and the search for meaning in 'Factotum', you might enjoy 'The Dharma Bums' by Jack Kerouac. This novel follows the adventures of two unconventional friends as they explore Zen Buddhism, nature, and the meaning of life. It's a thought-provoking and engaging read that captures the spirit of the Beat Generation.
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Jack Kerouac
On the Road
Another classic from the Beat Generation, 'On the Road' is a must-read for fans of 'Factotum'. This novel follows the adventures of Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty as they travel across America in search of freedom, adventure, and meaning. It's a powerful and evocative portrait of a generation in flux.
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John Kennedy Toole
A Confederacy of Dunces
If you enjoyed the dark humor and eccentric characters in 'Factotum', you'll likely appreciate 'A Confederacy of Dunces'. This novel follows the misadventures of Ignatius J. Reilly, a brilliant but deeply eccentric young man, as he navigates the streets of New Orleans. It's a hilarious and poignant exploration of the human condition.
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William S. Burroughs
Junky
For readers who appreciate the gritty realism of 'Factotum', 'Junky' by William S. Burroughs is a must-read. This novel follows the life of a young heroin addict as he navigates the seedy underworld of drug addiction, crime, and violence. It's a powerful and unflinching portrait of a man struggling to find his place in a world he sees as hostile and alien.
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Jay McInerney
Bright Lights, Big City
For readers who enjoyed the fast-paced, urban setting of 'Factotum', 'Bright Lights, Big City' by Jay McInerney is a great choice. This novel follows the life of a young man working as a fact-checker for a New York magazine as he struggles with drug addiction, relationships, and the pressures of modern life. It's a powerful and engaging exploration of the human condition in the modern world.
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Bret Easton Ellis
Less Than Zero
If you're drawn to the themes of alienation and disaffection in 'Factotum', 'Less Than Zero' by Bret Easton Ellis is a must-read. This novel follows the life of a young man returning to Los Angeles after a semester at college as he navigates the world of drugs, sex, and privilege. It's a powerful and disturbing exploration of the darker side of the human condition.
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Ernest Hemingway
The Sun Also Rises
For readers who appreciate the themes of alienation and the search for meaning in 'Factotum', 'The Sun Also Rises' by Ernest Hemingway is a classic of modern literature. This novel follows the lives of a group of expatriates as they travel through France and Spain in search of meaning and connection. It's a powerful and engaging exploration of the human condition in the modern world.
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