Tropic of Capricorn

Did you follow the road to Capricorn from Cancer? If so then you know what to expect from Henry Miller. Tropic of Capricorn is an account of his life up to his trek to Paris in the 1930's. Mr. Miller allows us into his world of words and images that consume his mind and soul.In this semi-autobiographical novel, Miller gives us a glimpse into the breakdowns and revelations that brought him from the streets of Brooklyn and onto the pages of literature. From his first word, we follow him on the road to discovering his world and bringing to life the writer within. Through his free-flowing prose and vivid scenery we follow Henry from his many sexual exploits to the dark sided humor of life as only seen through his maddened eyes. This book is one of the few that truly changed my views of life and my purpose. If you have any taste like my own and the life of Henry Miller intrigues you to no end then definitely pick up Tropic of Capricorn. Like a morsel of bread to a starving man, Capricorn only left me hungrier for more Miller to chew on. Other books I adore are, of course, Quiet Days in Clichy, Tropic of Cancer by Miller, The Losers' Club by Richard Perez

"Once you have given up the ghost, everything follows with dead certainty, even in the midst of chaos."Surely one of the greatest opening lines ever, and Miller doesn't let up from there. Its hard to know what to say about this book apart from that it will either disgust you or blow your mind. A few years ago, my reaction would have been the former -- but things happen. The fact is, different books matter to us at different periods in our lives, and it can be hard to explain why. I can honestly say, this book has a spiritual dimension that is powerful, and can speak to you during your low times.If the idea of a writer looking at the world using his own consciousness, with absolutely no objectivity, and with complete honesty, sounds good to you-- this is your book. You will find a kindred spirit in Henry Miller, and perhaps even a fatherly, wise (but always laughing) source of solace.

Tropic of Capricorn is the gretest book I have ever read. I read Tropic of Cancer first, and was interested and intrigued by it, but not until I read Capricorn would I truly call Miller one of the greatest American writers. Also banned from the U.S for 30 years, Capricorn goes beyong the sexuality and bitterness of one who has "given up" and lived for themselves as Cancer outlines autobiographically of Millers days in Paris. In Capricorn Miller looks to the roots of his childhood and life in New York and examines what made him the man he is and brought on his great change to "a new way of life". It has elements similar to Sherwood Anderson's Winesburg Ohio, which may be its greatest moments, as it tells small "grotesque" character studies of the people that shaped his life. Miller combines ideas of Eastern mysticism with the chaos of an ever industrializing world. Capricorn goes beyond linear writing to pursue a dreamlike atmosphere: one of admitted Surrealist and Dadsist influence, whose influence in turn can be seen in the later beat writing of Kerouac and Burroughs among others.

I first read this book when I was 16. Today, I'm 30 but I still manage to read it every two or three years to remind myself to be true to my feelings. Miller's writings, in general, are autobiographical. Some of the events have actually occurred while some are his dreams/visions. However, all are real to the man and real to most anyone who truly knows themself. There's no candy-coating here. Some reviewers see only the sexuality of the book. While that's certainly a great portion of the book it isn't what the book is about. It's about being who we want to be and freeing ourselves from the reigns of "normality" and confinement. That's why it's so disturbing. He expresses himself through his character and the characters around him. He mocks society and himself simultaneously. He is truly "human". My one desire, if I should ever be able to fulfill it, would be to write a novel that's worth ten percent of what this one is. Miller is the best friend one could possibly want to have because he doesn't cover-up his intentions.

I first read Tropic of Capricorn nearly 30 years ago as a freshman in college. Tropic of Cancer was "interesting," but "Capricorn" blew my mind and turned me on to a realm of writing and chronicling of personal experience that influenced me more than any other work of literature I have ever read. This book is a comic (and cosmic) masterpiece on many levels. It is also a vicious social commentary of the times and culture (the 1920's in New York City). More than anything, it is a vibrant work of literature, a lusty and no-holds-barred celebration of the human spirit with all its faults and foibles.. Check out Norman Mailer's commentary on Henry Miller and "Capricorn" in the chapter "The Advocate" in his book The Prisoner of Sex. Likewise, check out Erica Jong's "The Devil at Large." Henry Miller is one of the greatest and most misunderstood writers this country has ever produced. Perhaps it's unfortunate he'll never be taught at anything but the college level (if he's taught at all); but then, again, I wouldn't offer Courvoisier to a highschool sophomore. Some tastes require maturity, but Miller's writing is one I'm glad I had a few years under my belt before diving into it.