Understanding Charles Bukowski's Post Office (novel)

Charles Bukowski's Post Office is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows the life of Henry Chinaski, a protagonist inspired by the author himself.

The novel is a fictionalized account of Bukowski's experiences working at the United States Postal Service, where he worked for several years.

Bukowski's writing in Post Office is characterized by its gritty realism and unflinching portrayal of the drudgery and monotony of postal work.

The plot of Post Office is a complex and multi-layered one, revolving around the life of Arthur Koestler's alter ego, Arthur Saklatual.

Arthur Saklatual is a postal worker who gets caught up in a series of events that challenge his sense of identity and purpose.

The novel explores themes of identity, morality, and the search for meaning, all through the eyes of Saklatual.

Saklatual's journey takes him from the mundane world of postal work to a life of adventure and activism, where he becomes embroiled in the Spanish Civil War.

Throughout the novel, Saklatual's character evolves and changes, reflecting the complexities and nuances of human nature.

The character of Saklatual is often at odds with himself, struggling to reconcile his own desires and values with the demands of the world around him.

Saklatual's relationships with others are also a key aspect of the novel, particularly his interactions with women and his fellow activists.

Despite the challenges he faces, Saklatual remains a deeply human and relatable character, making him a compelling figure to follow throughout the novel.