📚 Books to Read After Querelle By Jean Genet
Just finished querelle by jean genet? Here are 5 magical next reads curated just for you:
📘 City of Night by John Rechy
Rating: 3.88 / 5 (3,583 ratings), Published: 1963
When to read it: When you crave raw, unapologetic prose that delves into the gritty underbelly of society.
"City of Night" follows a young hustler through the shadowy world of underground culture, offering a striking portrayal of loneliness, desire, and human connection. This book, like "Querelle," explores themes of sexuality, identity, and the search for belonging in a world that often feels alien.
Genres: LGBT, Urban Fiction, Coming-of-Age
After reading: Readers will be left contemplating the complexities of desire, the masks we wear in society, and the profound need for human connection amidst the chaotic urban landscape.
📘 Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin
Rating: 4.22 / 5 (69,002 ratings), Published: 1956
When to read it: In moments of introspection when questioning societal norms and personal truths.
"Giovanni's Room" is a poignant exploration of love, desire, and the complexities of identity set in Paris. Baldwin's prose delves deep into the psyche of the protagonist, echoing the introspective and provocative nature of Genet's work in "Querelle."
Genres: LGBT, Classic Literature, Identity
After reading: Readers will find themselves reflecting on the fluidity of human emotions, the impact of societal expectations on personal choices, and the courage it takes to defy norms in pursuit of authentic self-expression.
📘 Funeral Rites by Jean Genet
Rating: 3.94 / 5 (2,526 ratings), Published: 1947
When to read it: When seeking to explore Genet's darker, more introspective side.
In "Funeral Rites," Genet's lyrical and visceral prose delves into themes of death, desire, and the fragility of life. This poetic exploration of mortality and taboo subjects resonates with the raw and unapologetic style found in "Querelle."
Genres: Classic Literature, LGBTQ+, Surrealism
After reading: Readers will be left haunted by the beauty of Genet's language, grappling with the taboo aspects of human existence, and contemplating the fine line between love and destruction.
📘 Our Lady of the Flowers by Jean Genet
Rating: 4.06 / 5 (7,062 ratings), Published: 1943
When to read it: When wanting to delve deeper into Genet's provocative and poetic explorations of desire.
"Our Lady of the Flowers" is a powerful and poetic novel that blurs the lines between reality and fiction, delving into themes of identity, sexuality, and the transformative power of language. Genet's distinctive style, akin to that in "Querelle," invites readers into a world where beauty and darkness coexist in haunting harmony.
Genres: LGBTQ+, Surrealism, Existentialism
After reading: Readers will find themselves immersed in the rich tapestry of Genet's prose, grappling with the complexities of desire, identity, and the transcendent nature of art in shaping our perceptions of the world.
📘 The Thief's Journal by Jean Genet
Rating: 4.08 / 5 (2,685 ratings), Published: 1949
When to read it: When in search of an intimate exploration of Genet's life and struggles.
"The Thief's Journal" offers an intimate and raw account of Genet's experiences as a delinquent and a writer, blurring the boundaries between fiction and autobiography. This candid portrayal of desire, crime, and existential wanderings echoes the themes of alienation and self-discovery found in "Querelle."
Genres: Autobiography, LGBTQ+, Existentialism
After reading: Readers will come away with a deeper understanding of Genet's complex persona, reflecting on the intertwined nature of creativity and destructive impulses, and finding solace in the shared human experiences of longing and redemption.