Post Office by Charles Bukowski – Summary

I just got done reading Post Office by Charles Bukowski and it was an enthralling read. If you think you hate your 9-5 job and it’s bad, then think again my friend. I can assure you Mr. Bukowski had it a lot worse.

In Post Office Charles Bukowski describes the life he had working in a post office through his alter ego Henry Chinaski. If you like to see a man throw his life away from gambling, drinking, Obsessing over women, and hating his job then this one is for you.

This Charles Bukowski novel is a cult icon that has been listed as one of the most influential books you need to read before you kick the bucket. I didn’t know anything about it going into reading it, but it won me over after the first few pages.

Everyone’s job is going to be monotonous after a period of time and it’s no secret that most people hate their jobs hate is a strong word but it’s true. Once the honeymoon phase is over your job is going to be a routine and Charles Bukowski describes his job at the post office as hell.

Who is Charles Bukowski?

Charles Bukowski made a name for himself as a poet and writer. His biography is full of struggle and abuse during his childhood by his old man that later led to difficult times growing up and alcoholism in his adulthood.

Like many great writers, his work was not widely appreciated while he was alive and he gained more notoriety and fame after he passed. Charles Bukowski writes in very simple clear to understand language and his simplicity is what blew my mind.

Since Bukowski worked many odd jobs he can connect to the average man. He’s been there and done that and he says it like it is.

Post Office by Charles Bukowski

Henry Chinaski is pretty much an alcoholic, and he’s just got a job working for the postal service. He’s very honest, and very straightforward in his outlook, which is both funny and downbeat at the same time.

It’s almost like reading Henry Chinaski’s journal. It’s very, very personal. It’s very personal and very conversational. And at most times it’s crass and the C word is thrown in there, like every other page. And for use of that word is very funny at times.

I don’t want to get into all the personal stuff but you went there, okay let’s read it that’s how the book feels. He gives a little too much information at times which we would normally keep to ourselves like his personal relationships with women and how they went down.

This book is quite dark and it feels like your served Charles Bukowski’s time at the post office through Henry Chinaski.

If you are not successful in your personal life, If you are frustrated with your job and if you don’t have anything going for you and you want to see the downfall of Henry Chinaski then please read Post Office by Charles Bukowski.

If you trying to get into reading Charles Bukowski’s work I would suggest the following order:

1. Post Office (1971)
2. Factotum (1975)
3. Women (1978)
4. Ham on Rye (1982)
5. Hollywood (1989)
6. Pulp (1994)

These are the novels he published and I think You can read his poems in any way you wish.

I want you to ponder on another Charles Bukowski Quote.