Summer of Hate (Semiotext(e) / Native Agents)

I became curious about Chris Kraus watching Jill Soloway's television series "I Love Dick," an autobiographical fiction based on Chris Kraus's novel of the same name. So I thought I check out this more recent novel. It was a great read start to finish. I am happy that such a high-spirited literary outlier is alive and well and still writing on. I wish her stampedes of readers. I am looking forward to checking out some of Kraus's culture essays. I love discovering kindred sister/writers. Nothing quite beats the literary thrill of encountering a brilliant rambunctious mind. I can picture her hanging out with the the rogue nuns in "White Monkey Chronicles."  White Monkey Chronicles: The Complete Trilogy  Or camping out with Doctorow's "Walkaways."

Summer of Hate focuses on the unlikely love affair shared by an ex con, who must endure an endless series of blows for his past mistakes, and a profound academic. However, this isn't your average romance novel...Kraus' ability to fluctuate between tragedies infinitesimally small and socially pervasive allows for a plethora of insights regarding the US judicial system, art, and sex. Beyond that, the book is a joy to read.Chris Kraus is surely one of today's great writers.

Great

honestly this book is so wild to read, i love it. it is thrilling, funny, and interesting !

I hadn't heard anything about this book and was stunned at how good it is. A blend of critical theory and recovering alcoholic stories, grounded in research on the prison system in Bush's America. Couldn't put it down.

Mostly brilliant. But very hard to describe: the characterisations are vivid but realistic, the storyline too. Edgy but, like summer rain it has a holding quality. Reminded me of Kerouac in some ways. The dreamers, the hopeless, or films like "The Misfits" or even "Jackie Brown". Yet Kraus always places her flights of wonder and freedom in the reality and struggle of everyday life - from all the characters' views. Her female character, always moving and trying to create and the other main male characters, they're both outsiders, but she writes about their diferent struggles with soul, insight and humour. But in essence the freedom in how she writes about her female character and life all around her is a wonder to behold.

Autofiction—the author falls for an ex-con. You also learn much aboutthe US prison system.

not good