Customer Reviews

A Quest Among the Bewildered

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When I was first introduced to this book, I was told that Wulf Zendik came out of the Beat Generation, and thus, his writing style is reflecting of the artistic product of that time. In fact, the person that literally handed this book over to me described Zendik by comparing him to Jack Kerouac. Although I like Kerouac, I've always felt that Kerouac's work lacked something; perhaps an underlying purpose, or mission.
In reading 'A Quest Among The Bewildered' I was struck by Zendik's heart. Zendik writes freely, yet his work in this book always remains connected to some unspoken doctrine of values (a doctrine that so many individuals around the world are harboring, or seeking to reconnect with - especially in these turbulent times). I am trying to avoid labeling this book (since it effortlessly defies labeling) but for the sake of this review, I'll say that Zendik was a literary artist with great talent who sought to utilize his talent as a catalyst for the emergence of a better world. Personally, I feel that Zendik was far more than any Beat poet ever amounted to... because he wrote with a purpose. A Quest Among The Bewildered is a poetically heartfelt search for something sacred in a reality still tragically dominated by corrosive superficialities.

Richard Joseph

I am interested in the beat generation but this book turned out a big disapointment, So he name-drops Allen Ginsberg and Gregory Corso: big deal. The disconnected prose, evocations of wanderings and singing birds, self-conscious cussing, obligatory sex is all clearly meant to break new ground but this guy was treading a well-worn path even in the 50's. I guess he wanted to be a part of what turned out to be an important literary movement, so that's why he's publishing now. I think he missed the point. He's as preachy as the uptight culture he claims to be angered by & sorrowing for, and it gets OLD fast. If you want the real thing, read some real poets with a little human understanding, like Bukowski or Amiri Baraka or William Blake. Zendik writes the truth for once when he quotes Ginsberg's critique of this book: "I don't like being shouted at." This unedited sludge-of-consciousness isn't worth the effort of figuring out what unoriginal thoughts the author might be trying to ram down our throats.

I agree that this is the best thing I've yet read by a Beat Author - I'd love to have been at those places, met those people and witnessed the scenes described by Zendik. The writing style is so moving and poetic. His revelations and observations about love, romance, sex, the women he was with and the artists he knew are a missing piece of true history about that time and place. Just going through those experiences would change anyone, but the courage to go forward in pursuit of those ideals, that's what gives me courage in my life to believe in my own possibilities. And the possibilities for humanity.

Definitely the most honest powerful book I've ever read, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to "think outside the box". Zendik writes with a great hunger to express, but precisely, and with generous wit - always with the willingness to turn the penetrating look on himself. I found myself identifying with the feelings and attitudes described, and more than a few times it struck me how absolutely true it is that everybody has these types of thoughts and feelings...

If you're a fan of Henry Miller, J.D. Salinger, Hunter Thompson or Kurt Vonnegut - I recommend this book to you... this is a fierce piece of work...

A Quest Among The Bewildered is a vibrant and interesting novel that I am glad has finally seen the light of day. One is often skeptical when they hear about "a great unknown writer" or a "lost masterpiece" - and yet, it rings true in this case. Employing a dazzling, highly poetic style in his prose, Zendik cuts through the hypocrisy and lies of society and emerges with little pearls of beauty. Vaguely stream-of-consciousness, but highly readable, Zendik created here something that is very much a product of its time - The Beat generation - but also timeless. In our faceless society in which individuality is stifled, we will always need those like Zendik to question, to expose, and to enlighten. Many of his observations on such subjects as love, lust, morality, religion, and beauty are keen and piercing - offering us insight that few modern novelists can even hope to match. He can also be roaringly funny in spots, as well as desperately sad. This book can make you laugh, smile, and possibly even cry. Although the format of this book is somewhat typical of any Beat book, it goes above and beyond: you get the special feeling that you are peering into Zendik's diary as you read along. A unique writer - Zendik strikes me as a cross between Henry Miller (his writing style and perspective) and Kurt Vonnegut (his sense of humor.) This is a book that it is in your interest not to neglect.

When a publisher I had never heard of queried me about a posthumously-published novel by an "undiscovered Beat," I was skeptical at first, but also curious.  The Beats to me are like a secret lover to the more literary wife I cling to most of the time.  I pick up 'Naked Lunch' or 'The Dharma Bums' whenever I want a break from the highbrow fiction I am accustomed to reading.  Needless to say, the thought of something new in the Beat vein intrigued me.  As I said, though, I was hesitant.  After all, any Beat writer worth publishing would have been "discovered" 50 years ago at the height of the movement.  Right?  Well, apparently not. Wulf Zendik easily fits in with the likes of Burroughs, Kerouac, Ferlinghetti and the rest.  His writing is equal parts Bukowski and Buddha, as much Ginsburg as Gao Xingjian. 
      In 'A Quest Among the Bewildered', described as an "early semi-autobiographical novel," Zendik straddles the traditional Beat line between living and meditating.  He touches on all the familiar themes: love, lust, homosexuality, intoxication, spirituality, the subculture, and the quest for enlightenment as found in experiencing all the rest and moving beyond.  His language rages and burns, then mellows, slows, lulls the reader into a feeling of safety before lunging with a sharp blade:

       ...Zendik writes with the enthusiasm of a young seeker, while topping off his prose with the insights of a learned master.  While all the Beat basics are here: the energy of Kerouac, the poetics of Ginsburg, the over-the-top edginess of Burroughs, Zendik's work often resembles something more eloquent and grand.  It often reminded me of Rilke's novel 'The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge' in the way the narrator stops to contemplate the simplest things while keeping what can loosely be called a story hidden far in the background.
      'A Quest Among the Bewildered' is the kind of novel one hesitates to enter, but rejoices in having left after its unexpected soul-searching, its journey to places of self and society, its magnificent dreamscape of language and idea.  How Zendik remained an "undiscovered Beat" seems as much a curiosity as his work.  This book makes a case for his being included among the more noted writers of his generation.  At times harsh, at times dazzling, Zendik's prose touches every nerve and reaches every secret desire.  It hooks the reader and refuses to let go, not in the way a Stephen King novel might, more in the way carnival rides and conversations do.
      Recommendation: BUY THIS ONE.  While it might be the last book on your shelf, it will not be last in your thoughts.  The words and insights will stay with you for days until you feel the urge to pick it up again, go back for a second helping of life at its most raw, its most fascinating.  Expect a truly wonderful reading experience.

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This book is amazing......thats all i have to say....he (Wulf Zendik) actually created a commune that lives on TODAY as the embodiement of his ideals in this book......just browse for "Zendik Farm" and you will find it......The work that they have done has had a HUGE influence on me.....and not in a bad way but making me a better more world consious and compassionate person......if you want truth read this....