By John Fante - Ask the Dust Paperback – 27 Oct 2002

Having read John Fante's 'Ask The Dust' I can now see why it is heralded as an American Contemporary Classic.This book is both surprisingly witty and at times downright depressing with the main character, Arturo Bandini (to be pronounced in the voice of Bukowski in the preface) set on his dream of becoming 'the greatest writer the world has ever seen'.Along the way he meets many characters, non more dynamic than waitress Camilla, who is working in the local coffee shop. They form a relationship of special sorts and thus begins Arturo's true journey.I would highly recommend this book to anybody who has previously enjoyed; Charles Bukowski, Louis-Ferdinand Céline or even Kurt Vonnegut.

I was expecting this book to be the same as much of Bukowski's work. It really isn't though. What we have here is the tale of a young writer who desperately wants to be famous. He lives alone, feels guilty about asking his Mum for more cash and desperately struggles to find something to write about. His writers block ends when he meets a young waitress. The tale of his (kinda) relationship is oddly touching. The girl wants him to be something that he isn't. He tries, fails and is ultimately abandoned by her.At first you think the book is going to be written in a very basic, almost cold style. But as the narrative progresses there are some really nice lyrical touches. The best being how the dust of the desert is just waiting for humanity to end, so it can reclaim its territory.It's occasionally corny and a bit hammy, but you eventually get to like the writer and end up feeling sorry for him.So, no Bukowski drunkeness. No Bukowski fighting, and no Bukowski woman hating. It's all about the struggle to become a famous author. Insightful, because despite Bukowski's self mythologising ways, this is ultimately what he wanted out of life as well.

This book is fantastic. I was compelled by the unique style of writing, the countless moments which made me laugh. Arturo Bandini is a very interesting character, American buttermilk-thieving writer with a heart of gold. This book is sure to capture the attention of anybody with an admiration for genius writing. A book which I will read again with pleasure. The rope of hope always squeezed by our firm grip until we can hold on to it no longer. The little [white] dog laughed, indeed.

This is a must read........... Sweating just thinking about this book.

There's nothing to say here. Fante is one of the most amazing writers who has ever graced the page and Ask the Dust is a book that will open a door in your mind you never even knew was there. It's made even better when you read The Road to Los Angeles and you can see his working out, his blueprint for Bandini.

Inmense and sensitive writer with wonderful use and control of the language

I love Charles Bukowski and was intrigued to read that he loved 'Fante'. If you like CB you'll like this. An earlier time and place but still L.A. through the eyes of a guy who lived through it. the street, the bars, the girls, the great observations on daily life.

Absolutely brilliant. Admittedly I had never heard of John Fante before I learned of his influence on Charles Bukowski, and I ordered Ask The Dust not really knowing what to expect. However, a few pages in and you immediatly realise what Bukowski means when he states what an impact upon which Fante makes. The near frenzied like constant stream of thought from Bandini is completely absorbing, as is his tulmultuous relationship with Camilla, so much so I read the entire novel in one sitting. Highly recommended, a complete marvel as why Fante's work isnt more appreciated.