book review: Go by John Clellon Holmes

"Go" by John Clellon Holmes is a novel that offers an insightful portrayal of the Beat Generation, a literary movement that emerged in the 1950s in the United States. The author himself was a central figure in this movement, which was characterized by its rejection of mainstream values and embrace of non-conformity, spontaneity, and experimentation in literature and life.

The novel centers around a group of young intellectuals, including the protagonist, Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and Neal Cassady, who are searching for meaning and purpose in their lives. Through their interactions, the reader gains a sense of the intense creativity, energy, and idealism that characterized the Beat Generation. The characters engage in frenzied conversations about literature, philosophy, and politics, and they explore the possibilities of drugs and sex as ways of transcending societal norms and expectations.

One of the key themes of "Go" is the tension between the desire for freedom and the need for connection. The characters are united in their rejection of the conformity of mainstream society, but they struggle to find meaningful connections with each other and with the wider world. The novel also explores the darker side of the Beat Generation, such as drug addiction, alienation, and existential despair.

It is interesting to make the effort to look up the "real" names of the characters, and compare them with their portrayals in other beat novels like "on the road"