Title: The Subterraneans/Pic
Author: Jack Kerouac
Type: Fiction
Page Count/Review Word Count: 176
Rating: 8/10
This isn’t just one novel – it’s two, both penned by Jack Kerouac and featuring his typical idiosyncratic writing style. And yet, they’re both a little bit different from his other work in some ways, too. Pic, for example, has a lot of the same themes as On the Road, but it’s seen through the eyes of a ten-year-old boy from North Carolina. Meanwhile, the Subterraneans takes a look at love and life in a way that none of Kerouac’s other books have managed.
Overall, both of the short novels are essential reading for any serious Kerouac fan, and while they might not be the best place to start if you’re new to his work, you still can’t go wrong with them. The combination of the two makes for a gripping read, and my only gripe is that even with both novels in there, it still doesn’t feel long enough to satisfy you. It’s pretty damn impressive, really!