All Things Gee

Hello My Loves,

We are back with another book review and this time we are throwing back to what could potentially be described as a classic. I picked up ‘In Watermelon Sugar’ a couple of days ago and new I had to give it a read. For those who know me well will know the exact reason I picked up this one. For everyone else I am sure you will be able to guess.

Today we are diving into my thoughts and feelings of ‘In Watermelon Sugar by Richard Brautigan. *Spoiler Alert: I was pleasantly surprised.*

Synopsis:

iDEATH is a place where the sun shines a different colour every day and where people travel to the length of their dreams. Rejecting the violence and hate of the old gang at the Forgotten Works, they lead gentle lives in watermelon sugar. In this book, Richard Brautigan discovers and expresses the mood of the counterculture generation.

My Thoughts:

Richard Brautigan’s “In Watermelon Sugar” is a unique gem of a novel that whisks readers away to a world that feels both surreal and soothing. This book, first published in 1968, is a cornerstone of Brautigan’s whimsical and poetic literary style, offering a reading experience unlike any other.

Set in a post-apocalyptic landscape, “In Watermelon Sugar” is narrated by an unnamed protagonist who resides in iDEATH, a serene and mysterious community where nearly everything, from buildings to foods, is made of watermelon sugar. This tranquil existence is shadowed by the ominous Forgotten Works and the haunting presence of inBOIL and his followers, who represent the darker aspects of human nature.

Brautigan’s prose is both minimalist and evocative, painting vivid images with a few well-chosen words. His writing is a blend of poetry and narrative that creates a dreamlike atmosphere, inviting readers to lose themselves in the gentle rhythms and strange beauty of iDEATH. The novel’s structure, composed of short, fragmented chapters, enhances its surreal quality and makes it an easy, yet profoundly reflective, read.

One of the most striking aspects of “In Watermelon Sugar” is its exploration of themes like loss, change, and the search for meaning in a world that has fundamentally altered. Through the protagonist’s interactions with other characters and the environment, Brautigan subtly examines the human condition, prompting readers to ponder their own existence and the nature of reality.

The characters are as enigmatic as the setting. The narrator, with his calm and detached demeanor, provides a steady anchor amidst the novel’s eccentricities. Margaret, Pauline, and inBOIL each add depth and complexity, representing different facets of life and human emotion.

“In Watermelon Sugar” is a novel that invites multiple readings, each time offering new insights and experiences. It’s a perfect choice for readers who enjoy literary fiction that challenges conventions and explores the boundaries of imagination.

In conclusion, Richard Brautigan’s “In Watermelon Sugar” is a timeless piece of literature that continues to captivate readers with its lyrical beauty and thought-provoking narrative. Whether you are a long-time fan of Brautigan or a newcomer to his work, this novel promises a delightful and unforgettable journey into a world crafted from the essence of watermelon sugar.

Star Rating:

Dive into the pages of “In Watermelon Sugar” and let yourself be transported to iDEATH, where the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary, and every moment is imbued with a touch of magic.

Have you read In Watermelon Sugar?

Love Always,

Gee xoxo