'Ghost of Chance' by William S. Burroughs is a short novella set in the Madagascar jungle, exploring themes of human impact on the environment, deforestation, and the relationship between humans and nature. The book is noted for its nonlinear narrative style, well-tuned observations on modern society, and its focus on the plight of humanity expressed through tough, hardline prose. Through the protagonist Captain Mission, Burroughs weaves a tale that delves into the consequences of human interference in the natural world and the parallels drawn between lemurs and humans.

Characters:

The characters are varied, with a mystical protagonist and other fragmented figures that reflect broader themes in the story.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is rich and complex, blending humor and insight with deep ecological commentary in a trademark Burroughs fashion.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative investigates the stark differences between lemurs and humans, focusing on environmental issues and humanity's impact on the world.

Setting:

The setting is a vivid jungle landscape that highlights both its allure and the ecological crises it faces.

Pacing:

Pacing is erratic, characterized by a lack of linear progression, challenging the reader to engage more thoughtfully.

were no true monkeys on the island. The creature was completely motionless, and black, as if formed out of darkness. He saw also a large pig creature of a light pink color, lolling on its side against...

Notes:

The Lemur People predate Homo sapiens by 160 million years.

Lemurs are named after lemures, which are ghosts or spirits in Roman mythology.

Captain Mission, the protagonist, has a strong connection to Madagascar's lemurs.

Some prehistoric lemurs grew as large as gorillas.

Despite habitat destruction, Madagascar still has over 100 species of lemurs.

The book critiques humanity's relationship with nature and resource exploitation.

Burroughs highlights the issue of drug wars as a cover for suppressing dissent.

The author explores the concept of time as a burden for humans.

Burroughs draws parallels between humans and viruses, exploring themes of disease.

Ghost of Chance is a short novella, less than 60 pages long, published in 1991.

The narrative structure is non-linear, with various sections having different plots.

Readers find the book to be both enlightening and challenging, rewarding slow reading.

Burroughs’s artwork appears within the book, adding a personal touch.

Some readers felt the book was too chaotic for a coherent plot.

The book’s commentary on overpopulation and environmental degradation remains relevant today.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains themes of drug use, violence against animals, ecological destruction, and descriptions of disease.

From The Publisher:

A new novel by the author of Naked Lunch treats his trademark themes of drugs and neurosis in the context of environmental disaster in Madagascar, and includes seventeen illustrations from his hand. IP.

1991

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61 pages

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Ghost of Chance

William S. Burroughs

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