Septuagenarian Stew: Stories & Poems (1990) captures Charles Bukowski in his later years, serving up a raw, unfiltered mix of gritty short stories and visceral poetry. True to form, Bukowski chronicles the underbelly of life—drunken brawls, dead-end jobs, and the absurdity of human existence—with his trademark brutal honesty and dark humor. Now in his 70s, the “laureate of American lowlife” reflects on aging, writing, and survival with the same unflinching cynicism that made him a counterculture icon. The collection oscillates between grotesque realism and unexpected tenderness, proving Bukowski’s pen remained as sharp as ever.
For Fans of Bukowski’s Gritty World:
- Love is a Dog from Hell (Bukowski) – His classic poetry on ruin and desire.
- Ham on Rye (Bukowski) – Semi-autobiographical novel of his abusive youth.
- Post Office (Bukowski) – His debut novel on drudgery and rebellion.
- You Get So Alone at Times (Bukowski) – Poetry grappling with isolation.
- The Last Night of the Earth Poems (Bukowski) – Late-career reflections on mortality.