Specify Books Toward The Devil Tree
| Original Title: | The Devil Tree |
| ISBN: | 0802139655 (ISBN13: 9780802139658) |
| Edition Language: | English |
Jerzy Kosiński
Paperback | Pages: 224 pages Rating: 3.57 | 918 Users | 53 Reviews
List Of Books The Devil Tree
| Title | : | The Devil Tree |
| Author | : | Jerzy Kosiński |
| Book Format | : | Paperback |
| Book Edition | : | Anniversary Edition |
| Pages | : | Pages: 224 pages |
| Published | : | June 26th 2003 by Grove Press (first published January 1st 1973) |
| Categories | : | Fiction. European Literature. Polish Literature |
Explanation During Books The Devil Tree
A searing novel from a writer of international stature, The Devil Tree is a tale that combines the existential emptiness of Camus's The Stranger with the universe of international playboys, violence, and murder of Patricia Highsmith's The Talented Mr. Ripley. Jonathan Whalen's life has been determined from the start by the immense fortune of his father, a steel tycoon. Whalen's childlike delight in power and status mask a greater need, a desire to feel life intensely, through drugs, violence, sex, and attempts at meaningful connection with other people -- whether lovers or the memory of his dead parents. But the physical is all that feels real to him, and as he embarks on a journey to Africa with his godparents, Whalen's embrace of amoral thrill accelerates toward ultimate fulfillment. Now in a Grove Press paperback, Kosinski's classic, acclaimed as "an impressive novel ... it should confirm Jerzy Kosinki's position as one of our most significant writers" -- Newsweek "Savage ... [Whalen is] a foolproof, timeless American character." -- Mary Ellin Barrett, CosmopolitanRating Of Books The Devil Tree
Ratings: 3.57 From 918 Users | 53 ReviewsWeigh Up Of Books The Devil Tree
Really good. Like a 70s version of Bret Easton Ellis, but more acute and human. Doesn't hit quite like Steps (which I'll reread soon) does, but is similarly creepy and gets-under-your-skin-y.Gawd, this was depressing. Not that I have a problem with depressing books, either: in this case, the prose was plodding and fantastical, leaving one with the feeling that in order to like the book, you must see the protagonist as some kind of darkly romantic badass. If you are unable to do so, you're screwed, buddy!Note: I felt much the same way about (the movie of) Requiem For A Dream. In both cases, the mean opinion (get it, get it?) seems to be much higher than mine.
Kosinski is one of those authors that easily flew under my radar for a long time. DFW mentioned him as being one of the most powerful authors of contemporary fiction, so I naturally was skeptical upon reading "Steps." I've been nothing but impressed by his use and control of language, his broken-up plot lines, a characters of such immense depth that they tell us something about ourselves through their actions. It's sort of a commentary which happens behind the scenes, without having to be yelled
In "The Devil Tree" Kosinski tells the story of Jonathan Whalen, a young man in his 20s who has enjoyed a life of privilege and wealth, inheriting a vast fortune from his steel magnate father. Whalen is essentially lost, pondering what it means to have endless amounts of wealth that he did not earn and wondering what to do with himself. The book is told through Whalen's fractured reflections as he analyzes the important relationships in his life - with Karen, a model who he has had dated over
What can I say Kosinski, is a fantastic author that all avid reader must check out! This was another bizarre tale that puts you into the shoes of a young nobody who inherits a fortune. This was a very easy read that was quite relaxing and very enjoyable.
Jonathan is a billionaire, a heir to one of the greatest fortunes in the world. Karen is an extremely beautiful and famous model. Can one imagine more boring characters to star in a novel? Their sex life is described in such detail that one might suspect "The Devil Tree" is Jerzy Kosinski's masturbatory fantasy.The novel takes place in the 1970s. Jonathan comes back to the U.S. after a long stay abroad to avoid draft. There is no plot in the usual sense of the word. The novel is a sequence of
Almost gave this a 5. But not quite. This book hooked me. Perhaps because I was in college in the 70's I related to what Kosinski was writing about. These were the biggest issues of the time - and he covers them all. I will say that I am glad the book was fairly short - and that he writes quickly. But I do like his writing. It is refreshing - not prosey and not trite and not a cheap thrill. Kind of perfect in a way. However, not for the faint of heart. Very interesting and raw- sexually explicit
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