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34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A brilliant perspective on life, January 8, 1999
This review is from: Plexus: The Rosy Crucifixion II (Paperback)
Plexus is the central novel in Henry Miller's trilogy, known as the Rosy Crucifixion. The Crucifixion (along with most of Miller's work) is autobiographical and deals with the turning point in his life where, Miller realizes he isn't happy with his life and, in consequence, takes the drastic measures of quitting his job at the Cosmodemonic Telegraph Company and leaving his wife to begin an unknown life as an "artist" with a beautiful and mysterious woman named Mora (later changed to Mona), who becomes his muse. Plexus takes place in the midst of this chaotic metamorphosis with its sublime highs and miserable lows. Despite the lows Miller's voice is ecstatic and continually praising life. The Crucifixion is a love story - obsessive unconditional love: the love of Mona despite her flaws, the love of life despite its flaws, and the love of the English language (have a dictionary nearby). His happiness comes from his slow progression toward his true vocation, writing. Miller spends most of his life during the period of the trilogy doing everything except writing, but this is the artistic-procrastinator's process: delay the actual work while imagining it done to perfection until the last possible moment when failure is imminent and then, casting all other things aside, immerse yourself in the creation of an approximation of that imagined perfect model. I've read the trilogy twice and three other works by Miller, but Plexus has remained my favorite. The Crucifixion is definitely a more mature work compared to his earlier novels such as Tropic of Cancer. The story flows and the characters are well developed. The trilogy isn't for everybody. For those who aren't happy with their 9-to-5 job and have an inner burning to write the perfect novel or paint that masterpiece it might just be the inspiration they need to take the ultimate plunge. Although Plexus isn't the first novel in the Trilogy it's a fine place to start especially for those that might be turned off by the abundant sex in the beginning of Sexus. If you have artistic urges and can't find the time to pursue them then read the trilogy. When you're done look at your own life - compare it to where you need to be - and make the plunge. It will probably be a long hard change, but if you're honest with yourself chances are you'll come out rosy.
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26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
not for everyone, February 10, 2000
This review is from: Plexus: The Rosy Crucifixion II (Paperback)
This book (this whole trilogy) is not for everyone. Before anyone considers reading this, they should first check "Tropic of Cancer" - probably twice. Once done, consider picking this up. Only pick it up if you loved "Tropic." Personally, I found the trilogy a lot harder to digest and a lot slower going. Conversely, I found it times more rewarding. If you feel like you have something to offer the world that has yet to be realized, this is the book for you. It will give you hope. In his darkest moment, Miller is able to funnel all of his sadness, rage, pain, heartbreak, etc., and somehow smile through it. For the dissatisfied soul, trudging through these tomes is like finding a friend you never dreamed of. If you're happy with the way things are and life is satisfying - god bless you. Keep doing whatever you are and find some other book to read. There are thousands out there that you will get more out of. If you feel stuck, however, these books should give you courage. Read them and act on them. As Miller will show you, there is nothing to lose, and we all have it in us.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Coming of Age Masterpiece for Artists, December 28, 1999
This review is from: Plexus: The Rosy Crucifixion II (Paperback)
Miller represents the torment of many aspiring artists and writers: his insight into the human soul as he sees it and his ability to craft words to illuminate this insight are remarkable. Yet in spite of this mastery, he still writes with a profound sense of humility and suffers in his own miserable imperfections. He is hopelessly in love with a woman he knows is a liar and a cheat; he assails his own failure to provide for himself in a dignified way; he struggles with the validity of his personal friendships. In the midst of all this anxiety swirling within the deep intellect is a sincere and almost childlike love of life and decadence which he refused to deny himself even in the most impoverished times. The final pages of Plexus define for the reader what is meant by "The Rosy Crucifixion." (If they haven't already figured it out by then.) To relate to the message is the key to the trilogy. If it moves you to tears, consider throwing away your own cosmococcic baggage and start off to something of a higher order of blissful, ecstatic and painful life.
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