A very brief review of “War All the Time: Poems 1981 - 1984” by Charles Bukowski

For those already familiar with Bukowski: Just know that this will be a split between the “horse racing” Bukowski and the “reflective elder” Bukowski. Possibly 70:30 in favor of the horse racer. I’ve read several of his collections and would say this one ranks near the end of the pack. It pains me to say this as a fan, but there are parts where it drags. Of course it is poetry so those parts can always be skipped, but just be warned.

For those unfamiliar with Bukowski: Just know that you will be reading very non-traditional poetry. Very narrative, occasionally beautifully observant and human, occasionally very dirty and rough sort of verses. Would highly recommend him, but I don’t think this is a representation of his best work. Try his poem “The Crunch” or my personal favorite, “We ain’t got no money, honey, but we got rain.”