Hollywood

Likely to be Bukowski's tamest novel, we are granted an insiders eye into the wild whimsical world of Hollywood. We encounter ridiculous situations where spoiled artists have allowed praise to drive their ego to disportionate sizes. As usual the novel follows real events and people that have been masked with pseudonyms, so part of the joy is uncovering the faces and discovering how creative celebrities acted terribly at vain West Coast parties. I guess, Bukowski fans would say this novel lacks his typical fire, grit, desperation and rage but I think it was nice to read a novel that didn't wallow in misery and misfortune. He seems to have reached an age or level of comfort that enabled him to relax, and it's reflected in his writing. Overall, a fun book, something to kick back and relax to whilst nursing a hangover on a Sunday.