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Hollywood  By  cover art

Hollywood

By: Charles Bukowski
Narrated by: Christian Baskous
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Publisher's summary

Bukowski's alter ego, Henry Chinaski, returns, revelling in his eternal penchant for booze, women, and horse-racing as he makes the precarious journey from poet to screenwriter. Based on Bukowski's experiences when working on the film Barfly, the absurdity and egotism of the film industry are laid bare in this deadpan, touching, and funny glimpse into the endless negotiations and back-stabbings of la-la land. Hollywood is an irreverent jaunt that serves up the beating heart of Hollywood with razor-sharp humour.

©1989 Charles Bukowski (P)2013 HarperCollinsPublishers

Critic reviews

“In this hilarious roman a clef, Bukowski draws on his experiences while writing the script for the 1987 film Barfly…While Bukowski fans will welcome the reappearance of Chinaski, with his penchant for booze, women, and horse racing, film buffs should enjoy the novel for its delightful and irreverent portrayal of Hollywood. Highly recommended.” ( Library Journal)

What listeners say about Hollywood

Average customer ratings
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Bukowski on making Barfly

Baskous is a great narrator. A fun novel from Bukowski about making Barfly. Very nice

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haha

classic charles bukowski. there will never be another. the last of the real. sad. rip

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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This Round Is On Me

Bukowski. Not much more to say. I listened to Hollywood while drinking tequila, but red wine would've been more appropriate for his raw, terse prose.

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  • Overall
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Great book

Loved the way the narrator spoke in the book, i felt as if I was there watching everything as it happened!

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fantastic real world art

Christian captured the very essence and attitude(s) of CB.

a roller coaster ride through the dark recesses of Hollywood. enjoyed it as much as the book

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  • T
  • 05-04-16

part of me wants to be hank chenaske!

he lives a life that is grotesquely attractive to me. I wonder if he's genius or insane and slightly clever!

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Buk Lives!

If you could sum up Hollywood in three words, what would they be?

Couldn't stop listening

What did you like best about this story?

Bukowski's best book

What about Christian Baskous’s performance did you like?

Christian Baskous did a great job. Bukowski comes alive with the reading and my wife even thought that it was Buk's voice.
In a way it was.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES

Any additional comments?

I also downloaded Pulp.

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4 people found this helpful

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Easily his funniest book

Was a huge fan of Ham… But I’ve changed my mind. This book’s Story, writing, insight into life, humor… and the Performance was incredible. Bukowski’s best novel. Best characters. Great book.

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Cheers Chineski, you fucking drunk!

Great listen through. character performance top notch, John Pinchot is hilarious! the drunkard hank always a good time.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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It’s Bukowski!

It’s Charles Bukowski; what’s not to like? The story is typical of Bukowski: funny, honest and a true piece of literary magic. The reading is excellent and Christian is our favorite performer when it comes to Bukowski. Just a great, fun book!

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