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by Robin Sharma
Post Office summary
Brief summary
Post Office by Charles Bukowski is a gritty, raw, and darkly humorous novel that follows the mundane yet chaotic life of postal worker Henry Chinaski. It offers a candid portrayal of the struggles and absurdities of working a dead-end job.
Table of Contents
Post Office
Summary of key ideas
Life in the Postal Service
In Post Office by Charles Bukowski, we are introduced to the life of Henry Chinaski, a postal worker. The novel begins with Chinaski's first day on the job, and we quickly learn that he despises the monotony and bureaucracy of the postal service. Despite his disdain, he continues to work there for over a decade, moving from one dead-end job to another within the organization.
Chinaski's life outside of work is equally bleak. He spends his evenings drinking heavily and engaging in casual sexual encounters. His relationships are shallow and often end in disappointment. His only solace comes from his writing, which he does in his spare time, and his friendship with a fellow postal worker, Manny.
Escaping the Mundane
As the years pass, Chinaski becomes increasingly disillusioned with his life. He dreams of escaping the mundane existence he has found himself in, but his attempts to do so are often thwarted by his own self-destructive behavior. He quits his job at the post office several times, only to return when he finds himself in dire financial straits.
Despite his struggles, Chinaski remains fiercely independent and refuses to conform to societal norms. He rejects the idea of the American Dream and the pursuit of material wealth, choosing instead to live life on his own terms, no matter how unconventional they may be.
Love and Loss
Throughout Post Office, we witness Chinaski's tumultuous relationships with women. He falls in love with a woman named Betty, but their relationship is marred by infidelity and ends in heartbreak. He later marries a woman named Joyce, but their marriage is also fraught with problems, largely due to Chinaski's alcoholism and his inability to commit.
Despite his failures in love, Chinaski remains unapologetically himself. He refuses to change for anyone and is unafraid to express his disdain for societal expectations. His honesty, however brutal, is a defining characteristic that sets him apart from the people around him.
The Pursuit of Art
As the novel progresses, Chinaski's passion for writing becomes increasingly central to his identity. He begins to gain recognition for his work, and his dream of becoming a successful writer starts to seem within reach. However, his success is bittersweet, as it comes at the cost of his personal relationships and his physical and mental well-being.
In the end, Post Office is a raw and unflinching portrayal of a man who refuses to conform to societal expectations. Chinaski's life is far from perfect, but his refusal to compromise his principles and his unwavering commitment to his art make him a compelling and unforgettable character.
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What is Post Office about?
Post Office (1971) is a semi-autobiographical novel by Charles Bukowski that offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the life of a disillusioned postal worker. Through its gritty and darkly humorous narrative, the book explores themes of alienation, routine, and the struggle for individuality in a dehumanizing environment.
Post Office Review
Post Office (1971) is a remarkable book that offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the world of a working-class postal employee. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With its brutal honesty and dark humor, it provides an authentic portrayal of the mundane and often absurd realities of everyday life.
- The book's engaging storytelling and vivid characters keep readers hooked, making it hard to put down.
- It offers a unique perspective on the struggles and frustrations of the human condition, challenging societal norms and creating thought-provoking moments.
Who should read Post Office?
- Individuals who are curious about the inner workings of a post office
- Those who enjoy raw and gritty storytelling with a dark comedic edge
- Readers interested in the struggles and observations of a disillusioned working-class protagonist
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Post Office FAQs
What is the main message of Post Office?
The main message of Post Office is the disillusionment of the American Dream and the drudgery of everyday life.
How long does it take to read Post Office?
The reading time of Post Office varies based on reading speed, but it generally takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in 15 minutes.
Is Post Office a good book? Is it worth reading?
Post Office is worth reading for its gritty portrayal of the reality of working-class life. It offers a unique perspective on the American Dream.
Who is the author of Post Office?
The author of Post Office is Charles Bukowski.
What to read after Post Office?
If you're wondering what to read next after Post Office, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Why We Get Fat by Gary Taubes
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Savor by Thich Nhat Hanh and Lilian Cheung
- Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman
- Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price
- Salt Sugar Fat by Michael Moss
- Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink
- The Twenty-four Hour Mind by Rosalind D. Cartwright