Is Exterminator! A Novel Worth Reading?

I stumbled upon 'Exterminator!' while browsing through a second-hand bookstore, and the gritty cover art immediately caught my eye. William S. Burroughs has this uncanny ability to weave surreal, almost hallucinatory narratives that feel like a punch to the gut in the best way possible. The novel is a collection of interconnected vignettes, blending satire, dystopia, and dark humor. It’s not an easy read—Burroughs’ prose can be fragmented and disorienting—but that’s part of its charm. If you’re into experimental literature that challenges conventional storytelling, this is a gem. I found myself rereading passages just to unpack the layers of meaning, and each time, I discovered something new.

That said, it’s not for everyone. The themes are bleak, and the violence can feel gratuitous if you’re not prepared for Burroughs’ style. But if you’ve enjoyed works like 'Naked Lunch' or 'Junky,' you’ll likely appreciate the raw, unfiltered energy of 'Exterminator!' It’s a book that lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page, like a fever dream you can’t quite shake off. For me, it was worth the mental effort, but I’d recommend dipping your toes into Burroughs’ shorter works first to see if his voice resonates with you.

Burroughs’ 'Exterminator!' is like a chaotic, pulsing beast of a book—wild, unpredictable, and utterly fascinating. I picked it up after a friend raved about its absurdist take on societal decay, and wow, it did not disappoint. The way Burroughs dismantles language and narrative structure feels revolutionary, even decades later. It’s messy, provocative, and occasionally frustrating, but that’s the point. If you’re looking for a linear plot or cozy character arcs, look elsewhere. This is a book that demands your attention and rewards those willing to embrace its madness. Personally, I loved how it made me question everything, from authority to the nature of reality itself.