Cigarettes

Back of the Book

Cigarettes is a novel about the rich and powerful, tracing their complicated relationships from the 1930s to the 1960s, from New York City to Upper New York State. Though nothing is as simple as it might appear to be, we could describe this as a story about Allen, who is married to Maud but having an affair with Elizabeth, who lives with Maud. Or say it is a story about fraud in the art world, horse racing, and sexual intrigues. Or, as one critic did, compare it to a Jane Austen creation, or to an Aldous Huxley novel—and be right and wrong on both counts.

Why You Should Read It

Cigarettes stands out as a captivating and unconventional work that defies categorization. Mathews skillfully navigates the boundaries of traditional narrative, presenting a series of interlinked stories that unfold with precision and imagination. What makes the book compelling is Mathews' ability to challenge storytelling conventions while maintaining a sense of playfulness and intellectual engagement. The stories in Cigarettes offer readers a mosaic of characters and scenarios, inviting them to explore the intricacies of human connection and the unpredictability of life. For those seeking a literary experience that is both innovative and intellectually stimulating, Cigarettes provides a refreshing departure from the ordinary, offering a unique reading journey that captivates with its narrative inventiveness.

Memorable Passage

Lewis, anything but dull, suffered from an excess of misguided cleverness: he could disparage himself brilliantly in a matter of seconds. He knew literature, art, the theater, history; and his knowledge surpassed what a college normally provides. His knowledge led nowhere, certainly not into the world where he was supposed to earn a living. Lewis had once gone to work in the bookstore of his school because he loved handling books and looked forward to being immersed in them. He was then instructed to keep careful accounts of merchandise that might as well have been canned beans. He soon lost interest in his simple task, failed to master it, and quit after three days. Eight years later, he was still convinced of his practical incompetence. College friends familiar with his tastes would suggest modest ways for him to get started: they knew of jobs as readers in publishing houses, as gofers in theatrical productions, as caretakers at galleries. Lewis rejected them all. While he saw that they might lead to greater things, they sounded both beneath and beyond him--the bookstore again. Other chums who had gone on to graduate school urged their choice on him. Lewis harbored an uneasy scorn for the corporation of scholars, who seemed as unfit for the world as he. He remained desperate, lonely, and spoiled.

About the Author

Harry Mathews was an American author celebrated for his contributions to experimental and avant-garde literature. Born in New York City, Mathews established himself as a prominent figure in the literary world, co-founding the literary magazine "Locus Solus" and engaging with the Parisian literary scene. His significance lies in his innovative approach to storytelling, pushing the boundaries of conventional narrative forms. Mathews' work, including the novel Cigarettes, reflects a commitment to intellectual playfulness and a deep curiosity about the possibilities of language. He is worth knowing for his role in expanding the horizons of literary experimentation, offering readers a glimpse into a world where creativity knows no bounds.

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Fiona Alison Duncan