Tropic of Cancer

by Henry Miller
Tropic of Cancer cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 7892
  • Added: 2025-12-18
  • Updated: 2026-01-27
  • Published: 1961-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Henry Miller's 'Tropic of Cancer' is a seminal work of literary fiction that captures the essence of a young writer's life in the vibrant, chaotic streets of 1930s Paris. The novel is renowned for its candid and often explicit portrayal of the human experience, exploring themes of love, art, and the struggle for survival in a world that is both beautiful and brutal. /n/n Miller's prose is unfiltered and raw, offering a stark contrast to the more polished literary works of his time. The book is as much a character study as it is a narrative, delving deep into the psyche of its protagonist and the eclectic cast of characters that surround him. 'Tropic of Cancer' is a testament to the power of personal expression and the enduring allure of the bohemian lifestyle.

Reviews
Reddit · 2023-04-21
enlightening 4.50

The book is not well-written in a traditional sense but showcases a different kind of genius. It opens the reader's eyes to unique perspectives.

A Reddit user's review of 'Tropic of Cancer' highlights the book's unconventional writing style and its ability to showcase a different kind of genius. They note that the book is not terribly well-written in a traditional sense but offers unique perspectives that can open the reader's eyes to different ways of thinking. The review emphasizes the raw and unfiltered nature of the writing, which offers a deeply personal and imaginative perspective. They appreciate the book's ability to transport the reader into the author's world, filled with vivid descriptions and introspective musings. It's a testament to Miller's ability to capture the essence of life through his own experiences, albeit slanted and twisted by his imagination.

Quick quotes

    This book really opened my eyes to different kinds of genius.

    It is not terribly well written. Henry Miller himself is not a responsible member.

    Henry Miller's Tropic of Cancer has absolutely floored me.

Eric Rugara - Medium · Eric Rugara · 2019-02-22
intriguing 3.50

The book is a collection of experiences and thoughts rather than a traditional narrative. It is autobiographical but heavily influenced by the author's imagination.

Eric Rugara's review highlights that 'Tropic of Cancer' is not a conventional story but a series of experiences and thoughts. He appreciates the autobiographical elements, noting how Miller's imagination shapes the narrative. The book's raw and unfiltered style is both its strength and its challenge, making it a unique read. Rugara finds the book's honesty and vulnerability compelling, even if it's not a traditional story.

Quick quotes

    The book does not tell a story. It tells experiences and thoughts.

    It's autobiographical, though slanted and twisted by the writer's imagination.

    The book's raw and unfiltered style is both its strength and its challenge.

The Guardian · 2014-11-03
great 4.00

The book is considered a classic despite its initial controversy. Its literary merit is undeniable, and Miller's vision ultimately prevailed.

The Guardian's review places 'Tropic of Cancer' among the 100 best novels, acknowledging its controversial past and literary significance. They note that Miller's vision and philosophical outlook are central to the book's enduring appeal. The review suggests that the book's raw and unfiltered style, while challenging, is what makes it a classic. The Guardian appreciates the book's honesty and its ability to provoke thought and discussion.

Quick quotes

    Tropic of Cancer... is the lowest book of any real literary merit that I ever remember to have read.

    Miller's vision prevailed, in the end.

    The book's raw and unfiltered style, while challenging, is what makes it a classic.

The Independent · 2009-06-26
good 3.00

The book is described as rambling and flawed but with a lot of heart and vulnerability. It is seen as a diary of a living catastrophe.

The Independent's review describes 'Tropic of Cancer' as rambling, rambunctious, and flawed, but with a lot of heart and vulnerability. They see it as a diary of a living catastrophe, filled with raw and unfiltered emotions. The review appreciates the book's honesty and its ability to evoke strong emotions. Despite its flaws, the book's raw and unfiltered style is what makes it compelling and memorable.

Quick quotes

    Rambling, rambunctious, aimless, vain, flawed, with no methodology, a diary of a living catastrophe.

    It had more heart and vulnerability than any book I have read.

    The book's raw and unfiltered style is what makes it compelling and memorable.

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