GUIGNOL'S BAND

by Louis-Ferdinand Celine ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 1, 1954

The strange, sometimes moving, often aimless, always violent story of Ferdinand, who is badly wounded in the chaotic first chapter of this book which takes place during the first World War. Ferdinand lands in the lower depths of London, where we follow him through adventures with an arsonist, a pimp, a pawn broker, a midget card sharp and cook, a magician, and various prostitutes, bar tenders and assorted spivs. The adventures include sex of all kinds, knifing, murder, and are told in hectic sentences, and a prose as rough as any in print. It is hard, therefore, to convey the excellent qualities of the novel, though easy to stress its faults. But there is a meaningful harsh humor, there are many splendid scenes and characters, and the vision of the world as a Punch and Judy show projects a purposelessly violent view. There are also traces of anti- Semitism, not surprising to those who remember Journey to the End of the Night. With all of this in mind, the book may be recommended to readers of experimental fiction.

Pub Date: June 1, 1954

ISBN: 0811200183

Page Count: -

Publisher: New Directions

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 1954

Categories: FICTION