In 2017, the Manchester University Press (publishing arm of his alma mater), began issuing “The Irwell Edition of the Works of Anthony Burgess,” a series of scholarly editions of his works. He was, in the words of Erica Jong, “one of the most versatile artists of the English language.” (“ Anthony Burgess and the Music of Love” The Washington Post, November 16, 1986.) Additionally, he left behind more than 250 musical compositions and countless newspaper and magazine articles. When he died in 1993, he had authored more than 50 works of fiction and non-fiction: novels, short stories, literary criticism and biographies. Ironically, he outlived his (first) wife by more than 25 years. I had no great desire to leave a literary name behind me.” ( Paris Review 48, Spring 1973) Burgess had no pension to speak of and was concerned that he not leave his wife destitute.īy the end of 1963, he had published an additional nine books, including A Clockwork Orange, the book that would make him famous. “The fact is that my wife and I needed to eat and so on, and the only job I could do (who would employ me?) was writing. Having published three novels previously, he found himself unemployed and facing death. So if you are not easily queasy and like books that make you think or are challenging, I do recommend this book.In 1958, Anthony Burgess collapsed while teaching in Brunei and was (mis)diagnosed with a brain tumor. Yes it was sickening, but I tend to favor books that get that kind of reaction from me IF there is some kind of point being made, as opposed to just for shock value. I really liked this book, and thought it was one of the best written books I have ever read. So in you may find yourself rooting for the main character, not because he is a great guy (he's not), but because you may not agree with what he is put through. I love the head scratcher books where there is a very very very gray area.
However, in the middle and latter parts of the book, there are things done to him by society in the name of "good" that are highly questionable, and as much as I hated him I found myself asking "Was that really justifiable?" And there isn't really a clear answer to that question, which is what makes the book so interesting. I can't really say what he does that is so horrendous without giving away spoilers (unless you really want to know) but let's just say you do NOT want to meet him in a dark alley or be alone in a car with him. I can't really say what he does that is so horrendous without giving away spoilers (unl …more The protagonist does things that are absolutely cringe-worthy. KT The protagonist does things that are absolutely cringe-worthy.
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