Factotum
by Charles Bukowski · first published 1975
10mentions
3recommended by
8HN commenters
2017–2024first – last mentioned
38% recommend63% neutral
One of Charles Bukowski's best, this beer-soaked, deliciously degenerate novel follows the wanderings of aspiring writer Henry Chinaski across World War II-era America. Deferred from military service, Chinaski travels from city to city, moving listlessly from one odd job to another, always needing money but never badly enough to keep a job. His day-to-day existence spirals into an endless litany of pathetic whores, sordid rooms, dreary embraces, and drunken brawls, as he makes his bitter, brilliant way from one drink to the next.Charles Bukowski's posthumous legend continues to grow. Factotum
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Yes, definitely Bukowski the dissident. Although I would highly recommend both And the Wind Returns... and Factotum. There is this very telling scene in And the Wind Returns... where people peruse Lenin's works on the toilet (to then use as toilet paper because there was a shortage of course) and afterwards discuss…
on “The NSA has linked the WannaCry computer worm to North Korea” ↗I might have read a bunch of books and articles about work, but the biggest lessons I've learned are from Bukowski. The Post Office and Factotum are two of my favorite books. Here are a few quotes from Factotum that I really liked: ~~ “Look,” I said, “these books aren’t worth reading let alone arguing about.” “All right,” one of the women said,…
on “Charles Bukowski: The Slavery of the 9 to 5” ↗Factotum is one of my favs Bukowski's book to. I bought as a gift for my friends when she throws somewhere I find myself to read.
on “Charles Bukowski: The Slavery of the 9 to 5” ↗Everybody should read Factotum from Bukowski, it taught more about work than any other book.
on ““Don’t Try”: The Philosophy of the Hardworking Charles Bukowski” ↗From Bukowski's Factotum... "If you're going to try, go all the way. Otherwise, don't even start. This could mean losing girlfriends, wives, relatives and maybe even your mind. It could mean not eating for three or four days.…
on “People Simply Empty Out (1986)” ↗> We let work take way too much time from our lives. This is one of the sad realization one must have at some point. Reminds me of Bukowski's Factotum[1] where Bukowski mentions that we're selling our most precious item: our time. > “You haven’t been busting your ass, Chinaski.” > I stared down at my shoes for some time. I didn’t know what to say.…
on “Why Is It Hard to Make Friends Over 30? (2012)” ↗Anyone read "Factotum" by Bukowski? While looking at these, I can't help but think about Henry Chinaski wandering from job to job in 1940s L.A and all the characters he mixes with while doing so.
on “Ansel Adams’ pictures of LA recall an era of war factories and 10-cent hot dogs” ↗…other feeling like that. You will be alone with the gods, and the nights will flame with fire. You will ride life straight to perfect laughter. It's the only good fight there is.” ― Charles Bukowski, Factotum
on “What Charles Bukowski’s Glamorous Displays of Alcoholism Left Out” ↗…who listed it on their profiles back during the G20 used to yell at me for listing "Post Office" because apparently Bukowski is problematic -- like, Jesus lady I know, that's why I didn't list Women or Factotum... then they'd cry me a (usually figurative) river when I'd shoot back why do you claim to stan Emma Goldman if you won't date someone who owns a firearm since it's not propaganda of the deed if you get…
on “Ask HN: What's the best book you read in 2022?” ↗…soullessness of the workplace. Kafka's The Metamorphosis: "I cannot make you understand. I cannot make anyone understand what is happening inside me. I cannot even explain it to myself." And Bukowski's Factotum: "How in the hell could a man enjoy being awakened at 8:30 a.m. by an alarm clock, leap out of bed, dress, force-feed, shit, piss, brush teeth and hair, and fight traffic to get to a place where essentially…
on “The lengthy story of how I left the Tech industry and started washing miso jars” ↗