The Sea Is My Brother (Expanded Critical Edition)

by Jack Kerouac

[ibeforem]

I’ve never read any Kerouac, so when this book was chosen for my book club I decided to give it a go.

I thought it was an interesting story, if a bit aimless. Its main purpose seems to be an exploration of two aspects of Kerouac’s own personality — the responsible, academic side, and the nomadic free spirit that’s more evident in his later works. Each aspect is depicted as a different character. There is also a lot of rhetoric surrounding communism and fascism and the Spanish Civil War. Those are the parts of the book that didn’t really appeal to me. I’m not a fan of reading long-winded conversations and/or monologues regarding people’s personal philosophies.

Having never read Kerouac before, I had no frame of reference when it came to his writing style. However, according to others in the club who have read his works, this one isn’t as well written as his later work, though you can see the beginnings of his style.

I’m generally of the opinion that “lost” works were probably lost for a reason. But, if you are a fan of Kerouac, I think there’s enough here to keep your interest. Otherwise, you may want to start with one of his more known works.