"Toutes les histoires de Bukowski sont aussi vraies qu’infectes et, en cela, font honneur à la littérature : il raconte ce que les autres enjolivent et dissimulent. Le sexisme, la misère du quotidien, la violence et les sentiments de ceux qui se curent le nez. Et c’est pour ça qu’il gêne : il parle à tout le monde." --Jean-François Bizot.
Revolving around themes of alcoholism, gambling, sex, and violence, this short story collection demonstrates Bukowski's compelling semi-autobiographical style and mastery of visceral language and depiction of seamy underworlds.Bukowski's writings have addicted legions of American readers, even though the high literary establishment continues to ignore them. In Europe, however (particularly in Germany, Italy, and France, where he is published by the great publishing houses), Bukowski is critically recognized as one of America's greatest realist writers.