What do you think?
Rate this book
Portrait d'un jeune homme qui se noie
Dans ce Portrait d'un jeune homme qui se noie, écrit par un Noir, tous les personnages sont des Blancs. Tous sauf un, qui se fait enterrer vivant. « À travers ce récit oedipien mélancolique ; Perry raconte l'ascension d'un jeune voyou blanc que perdra l'amour dévorant qu'il porte à sa mère. Le titre est une référence transparente au Portrait de l'artiste en jeune homme de James Joyce. C'est une indication ces auteurs se vivaient d'abord comme des écrivains, et pas uniquement comme des auteurs de polars. Le genre étant à leurs yeux le moyen idéal de rendre compte d'une partie - la plus tragique - de l'expérience noire en Amérique. »
451 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1962
4 people are currently reading
307 people want to read
About the author
Charles Perry
85 books18 followersThere is more than one person in the Goodreads catalog with this name. This entry is for Charles ^ Perry, rock and roll journalist.
Charles Perry is a former rock and roll journalist (staff writer at Rolling Stone in the 1970s) who suavely transitioned into food writing in the 1980s. During his 18 years at the Los Angeles Times’ award-winning Food section he was twice a finalist for a James Beard award. He is a world-renowned food historian who has been cited in books in seven languages, and he is a major contributor to the “Oxford Companion to Food,” a two-term trustee of the Oxford Symposium on Food and Cookery and president and co-founder of the Culinary Historians of Southern California.
Charles Perry is a former rock and roll journalist (staff writer at Rolling Stone in the 1970s) who suavely transitioned into food writing in the 1980s. During his 18 years at the Los Angeles Times’ award-winning Food section he was twice a finalist for a James Beard award. He is a world-renowned food historian who has been cited in books in seven languages, and he is a major contributor to the “Oxford Companion to Food,” a two-term trustee of the Oxford Symposium on Food and Cookery and president and co-founder of the Culinary Historians of Southern California.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 6, 2016
This will be short and sweet...Simply one of the greatest and most overlooked/underated books I've EVER read(along with Iceberg Slims 'PIMP' which wasn't so slept on).A coming of age/gang/romance/mental health/overbaring mother to the point of a really twisted scene/an Irish American group of lads gone off the rails tale!The fact that this was a debut novel is astounding.Tragic that Charles Perry died before he could pen another novel!
December 31, 2013
The best book ever written in the English language. I'd carry it to the ends of the earth with me.
November 30, 2014
I'm such a sucker for novels set in early 20th century America, but that's more a cherry on an already very tasty cake here.
So, Portrait of a Young Man Drowning is a novel told in the first person by a young man, growing up in a less than affluent area of the New York. The storyline is for a long time, fairly unsurprising (although it's still great), although it does metaphorically start to live up to its name by the end.
The writing style and the first person narrative is what really makes it stand apart though. The story covers around 10 years of the protagonist's life and we never get any viewpoint other than his own. This makes for an interesting experience, as I'm unsure whether he is meant to be struggling with learning difficulties or possibly even something on the autistic spectrum. We tend to get very factual descriptions from him as to things which have happened, but he never really reads into them as I believe the reader is expected to. His interactions with other characters always seem a bit confused too. (Maybe most readers knew that up front. I knew nothing at all about this novel, so it was all totally fresh for myself)
Given the people surrounding him, that makes for some difficult patches. His mother especially gives of a sense of foreboding, but you're really left to make your own assumptions there, as we never really learn any concrete detail. His relationship with his father leaves a hollow feeling too, but for very different reasons. However, that's not to say the titular young man is innocent in all of this. His hands are dirty too, which perhaps makes this such a compelling read.
There's also a nice touch in the writing style, as it matures as the protagonist ages. In terms of delivery, it reminds me a lot of Catcher In The Rye. The similarities with someone who seems to be struggling with other people and social situations are definitely there, along with the first person writing and almost journal-like quality, although Catcher doesn't have the ageing element to it.
I wasn't sure how I felt about the ending when I first finished the book. I had enjoyed the whole experience and then the ending just seemed a bit rapid and partially predictable. However, with time to sink in, I think it actually works really well. Even though it is distinctly unpleasant.
One of my favourites (if not my favourite) book this year.
So, Portrait of a Young Man Drowning is a novel told in the first person by a young man, growing up in a less than affluent area of the New York. The storyline is for a long time, fairly unsurprising (although it's still great), although it does metaphorically start to live up to its name by the end.
The writing style and the first person narrative is what really makes it stand apart though. The story covers around 10 years of the protagonist's life and we never get any viewpoint other than his own. This makes for an interesting experience, as I'm unsure whether he is meant to be struggling with learning difficulties or possibly even something on the autistic spectrum. We tend to get very factual descriptions from him as to things which have happened, but he never really reads into them as I believe the reader is expected to. His interactions with other characters always seem a bit confused too. (Maybe most readers knew that up front. I knew nothing at all about this novel, so it was all totally fresh for myself)
Given the people surrounding him, that makes for some difficult patches. His mother especially gives of a sense of foreboding, but you're really left to make your own assumptions there, as we never really learn any concrete detail. His relationship with his father leaves a hollow feeling too, but for very different reasons. However, that's not to say the titular young man is innocent in all of this. His hands are dirty too, which perhaps makes this such a compelling read.
There's also a nice touch in the writing style, as it matures as the protagonist ages. In terms of delivery, it reminds me a lot of Catcher In The Rye. The similarities with someone who seems to be struggling with other people and social situations are definitely there, along with the first person writing and almost journal-like quality, although Catcher doesn't have the ageing element to it.
I wasn't sure how I felt about the ending when I first finished the book. I had enjoyed the whole experience and then the ending just seemed a bit rapid and partially predictable. However, with time to sink in, I think it actually works really well. Even though it is distinctly unpleasant.
One of my favourites (if not my favourite) book this year.
February 24, 2015
You know from the first few pages that this isn't going to end well. I'd recommend you read Brighton Rock before picking this one up.
July 17, 2018
I'm still confused a bit but I lived for this book
February 12, 2020
A bit reminiscent of Once Upon A Time In America (and many others), this story is about the rise of slum boy to an acceptable rank in the local mafia. The story is told by himself, but he is a very unreliable narrator. While rising in the ranks of the crime syndicate, he is struggling with his own violent sexuality and with the random appearances of his alter-ego nemesis Madden, another boy who occasionally turns up in his house and rapes his mother. Figure that one out!
This is author Charles Perry only novel. He had a rather tragic life, with his own son being murdered and he himself dying of cancer at a young age. Perry grew up in the neighbourhoods he describes and makes it feel very authentic. All in all, a very promising debut.
This is author Charles Perry only novel. He had a rather tragic life, with his own son being murdered and he himself dying of cancer at a young age. Perry grew up in the neighbourhoods he describes and makes it feel very authentic. All in all, a very promising debut.
June 13, 2024
An intense read. It has one of my favourite openings to anything I've ever read. This book will forever be imprinted in my mind I need to take it page by page and fully dissect it and actuallu write a review of merit. This is the kind of novel I wish I could study in a literature class, or at least that more people have read it that I could hear their thoughts. Wow, Charles Perry. I wish more was known of your life and work.
December 17, 2024
Absolutely incredible - raw and devastating, an insightful portrait of a young man’s journey to adulthood and the external forces that shape him and ultimately lead to his demise. His disturbing relationship with his mother weaves its way through the narrative like a ghost, until it rears its ugly head in a fast paced and tragic ending. Perry does not succumb to any urge to sugarcoat - this is a reality, not a fairytale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2018
Despite everything, Harry was a likeable narrator. At no point did I feel bored during this read and although disturbing, it was thought provoking. It reminded me of Fight Club.
However wouldn’t give it more than 8/10 because because it really was disturbing. I’m not one for violence. And the ending is a bleak one.
Trying to look for something slightly more upbeat to read next...
However wouldn’t give it more than 8/10 because because it really was disturbing. I’m not one for violence. And the ending is a bleak one.
Trying to look for something slightly more upbeat to read next...
Read
November 6, 2017I dont have a rating, I stopped at p 33. Things were not looking too good for the boy, and didnt want to hang around and find out how bad. But I am a big fan of Jim Thompson. You know his stories end up real bad--but those are adults, this is a kid. Sorry for wimping out...
January 18, 2021
8/10. Read this book very quickly. I found it quite compulsive to begin with although by the end I struggled a bit. I think it was because the story is just so bleak and, frankly, quite depressing. Although I do think the book is good I would hesitate in recommending it.
September 20, 2024
Young Norman Bates is Rico Bandello in James Hogg's A Tree Grows in Brooklyn; this along with the likes of Sorrentino's autobiographical novels provide a pretty strong case for just what made the greatest generation (and their offspring) so distinctly f'ed up.
July 8, 2021
Exceptional writing. Feels like the idea for Fight Club might have come from it. Couldn't put it down and wish the author had lived longer so that he could have written more. It is a hidden gem.
December 26, 2022
Um.....wow. Still processing. Definitely recommend if you can get your hands on it.
October 4, 2023
This was an assigned reading for my African American Lit class in college many years ago. It is my all-time favorite book to this day. It is a masterpiece in my opinion.
May 28, 2025
quietly disturbing and truly unforgettable. there is a quiet sense of dread crafted from the outset, culminating in a haunting and deeply unsettling conclusion. highly recommend!!
February 29, 2016
At the very beginning I could take or leave this book, I didn’t really know where it was going. But it got so intriguing that by the end I couldn’t put it down – I just had to know what was coming next.
All through the book there was a strange sense of foreboding and mystery. I knew it was leading up to something major, but I wasn’t sure what. Things weren't quite as they initially seemed. Details were slowly revealed and everything started coming into place. By that point I was hooked! I loved this book; even though I’m not sure I understood everything fully. I think it’s one that needs a few reads to fully absorb. I would happily read it again though, it was amazing!
All through the book there was a strange sense of foreboding and mystery. I knew it was leading up to something major, but I wasn’t sure what. Things weren't quite as they initially seemed. Details were slowly revealed and everything started coming into place. By that point I was hooked! I loved this book; even though I’m not sure I understood everything fully. I think it’s one that needs a few reads to fully absorb. I would happily read it again though, it was amazing!
January 3, 2013
"I leave them and go on down Hudson Avenue. I do not regret what I have done. I have forty-two dollars in my pocket - more money than I have ever had in my life! Besides, it was exciting.
The only bother - the sound of the cane hitting the floor as I ran. It is a nagging memory that I reach for but cannot grab.
I give Ma thirty dollars and keep the rest for myself. I tell her I found the money in an old pocketbook laying in the gutter. She is overjoyed. She takes the money and kisses my cheek.
She asks only one question.
'I wonder what your father is doing tonight?'"
The only bother - the sound of the cane hitting the floor as I ran. It is a nagging memory that I reach for but cannot grab.
I give Ma thirty dollars and keep the rest for myself. I tell her I found the money in an old pocketbook laying in the gutter. She is overjoyed. She takes the money and kisses my cheek.
She asks only one question.
'I wonder what your father is doing tonight?'"
January 14, 2009
Very Brilliant Novel from the perspective of a boy growing up to become a murderer. Like the title suggests, it's construction is based on Joyce's "Portrait of the Artist As a Young Man", but this is so extremely well written and gripping that I rate it Way Far Better & Impressive. Every writer should read it and learn from it.
Back in the old days we published a quite brilliant translation ("Portret van een verloren jongeman") by Irving Pardoen.
Back in the old days we published a quite brilliant translation ("Portret van een verloren jongeman") by Irving Pardoen.
March 5, 2015
I really enjoyed this book, to be honest I only heard about this book while researching the movie based on the book (Six ways to sunday) I enjoyed the movie and when I found out the book I was excited, I got even more excited when I read the reviews of this book they all seemed to be positive. This book is way out of the normal genres I read but I know for a fact it has opened a new world of genres for me.
April 8, 2008
Many times better than the movie Six Ways to Sunday! I would have given it 4 stars, but the ending confused me a bit. I understand ultimately what happened to Harold, however the flashbacks confused me and I have no idea who the "Old Woman" is.
May 31, 2008
I loved almost all of this book. I thought it was so well-written and fascinating until the very end. And then I was disturbed and couldn't get passed it. It's one of those books that I'm glad I read, but I don't think I could read it again. Kinda tragic and disturbing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2009
See above
November 16, 2009
An amazing work, by a genius who died before he could add to it.
August 7, 2012
Brilliant and disturbing!
March 2, 2013
A quietly disturbing book, I was sucked in and could not put it down until the very end and then I almost felt dirty with the conclusion of the story.
March 5, 2014
Absolutely disturbing but absolutely amazing. I was an emotional wreck after I finished this. READ IT!!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews