In this unforgettable novel, Leonard Cohen boldly etches the youth and early manhood of Lawrence Breavman, only son of an old Jewish family in Montreal. Life for Breavman is made up of dazzling colour - a series of motion pictures fed through a high-speed projector: the half-understood death of his father; the adult games of love and war, with their infinite capacity for fantasy and cruelty; his secret experiments with hypnotism; the night-long adventures with Krantz, his beloved comrade and confidant. Later, achieving literary fame as a college student, Breavman does penance through manual labour, but ultimately flees to New York. And although he has loved the bodies of many women, it is only when he meets Shell, whom he awakens to her own beauty, that he discovers the totality of love and its demands, and comes to terms with the sacrifices he must make.
Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen was a Canadian singer-songwriter, poet, and novelist known for his introspective and emotional works. His most famous song, "Hallelujah," has been covered by countless artists and is considered a modern classic. Cohen's writing style is characterized by its deep philosophical themes, introspection, and melancholy tone. His poetry and novels, such as "Beautiful Losers" and "Book of Longing," have also received critical acclaim for their profound insights into the human experience. Cohen's contributions to literature have had a lasting impact on the genre of contemporary poetry and songwriting, earning him a place as one of the most influential artists of his time.