Ham on Rye

Contributed by Amelia, gr. 12, Jan. 2019

This book  is a semi-autobiographical novel that begins in 1922. Set in Los Angeles, it focuses upon the impoverished childhood and young adult life of the protagonist, Henry Chinaski. 

During the novel, the reader is made to watch as Henry grows and develops-- despite a life abundant with harsh misfortunes. Such misfortunes include an abusive father, an indifferent, submissive mother, difficulties fitting in in school,  severe acne, and progressive alcoholism. 

While some may find the content within Ham on Rye offensive and indecent, I feel that the novel is in fact well worth a read. Perhaps the most striking element of the novel is   Henry’s personality. Having been hardened by the toxicities he faced at home, Henry grows up to be a bitter individual who struggles to understand the common desires that others around him hold, such as popularity, friendships, and marriage. While he is undeniably crude, there is something very intriguing about the way he acts and views the world. He is violent, insensitive, and is a prime example of a self- sabotaging anti-hero.

Considering the content and language, this novel would best suit mature readers who are interested in raw and unfiltered  subject matter.