Customer Reviews

Song of the Silent Snow

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've read a couple of Selby's full length novels, and his writing always leaves me heavily affected for days afterward(for better or worse). This book, a collection of short stories, was at times funny and sad, bitter and naive, and essentially is a portrayal of the most mundane and ordinary things imaginable in an extremely beautiful and grandiose way. If I didn't know better(and I guess I don't, I'd swear Selby was a psychic, the way he knows people's minds' inner workings so well). The story 'Of Whales and Dreams' tore my heart out. Amazing. Selby will burn you alive with your own emotions.

I feel the need to have this book with me at all times. If you are the kind of person who is up untill 3:00 in the morning thinking about all the people who waste your time [and rob you of your sleep] this is a book for you. Every aspect of humanity can be found in the pages of these short stories. You will be a better person for reading Hubert Selby Jr.'s masterpiece.

This is the first book of Hubert Selby Jr.'s that I have read and I must say, it definately will not be the last. Stories like "Of Whales and Dreams" are beyond captivating--riddled with intricate details and powerful messages. Put quite simply, this book is a must read for anyone who finds value in innovative and experimental forms of writing.

every hubert selby jnr. book is an enjoyable read,and still completely different from what every one else is doing. he is compassionate and yet brutal in his prose. this is a collection of short stories, and as with all short story collections it is a mixed bag at times. the best here are the coat, about an alcoholic tramps love for his coat, so much so that he's willing to die to die for it and the title story seemingly a story of a depressed mans near death experience in the snow and his sudden realisation that he loves his life. read this book, it's easy to read but there are underlying meanings that some will and some won't quite understand.i'm not sure if i did but i thoroughly enjoyed guessing and will continue to.

Always difficult to pick up anything else after reading Selby. These shorts aren't quite as disturbing as LETB or The Demon, but they're still enough to put the thousand-yard stare on my face. Especially enjoyed "Puberty" and "Penny for Your Thoughts".

Some of the stories will make you laugh, some will make you want to cry. All main characters are called Harry. All have different lives, different stories, but something underneath is the same. What is the common thread of the different Harrys? Read the book.
This is 13 short stories as aposed to his other novels, granted,but is also the easiest book of Selby jr to read. A great place to start with this wonderful and truely original American author.

I wouldn't recommend this book over his other, better works like The Demon, and Requiem for a Dream which are exceptional. As far as this one goes I can only call it average.

This is the first book of Hubert Selby Jr.'s that I have read and I must say, it definately will not be the last. Stories like "Of Whales and Dreams" are beyond captivating--riddled with intricate details and powerful messages. Put quite simply, this book is a must read for anyone who finds value in innovative and experimental forms of writing.