Harlot's ghost by norman mailer book

A classic!

"Harlot's Ghost" is a novel by Norman Mailer, published in 1991. It's a sprawling, ambitious work that blends historical fiction, mystery, and philosophical inquiry. The book is a tribute to the spy novel, and it's considered one of Mailer's most complex and challenging works.

The story follows a fictionalized version of the author himself, Norman Mailer, as he becomes obsessed with the life and legacy of Harry Coomer, a British spy who worked for MI6 during World War II. As Mailer delves deeper into Coomer's story, he becomes convinced that Coomer was involved in a mysterious and tragic event that occurred in 1945, known as the "Harlot's Ghost" incident.

The novel is structured as a series of nested narratives, with multiple storylines and characters that intersect and overlap. It's a dense, allusive work that draws on a wide range of historical and cultural references, from the spy novels of John le Carré to the philosophical ideas of Friedrich Nietzsche.

Mailer's writing is, as always, dense and allusive, with a strong emphasis on language and style. The book is full of vivid descriptions of people, places, and events, as well as philosophical and psychological insights into the human condition.

"Harlot's Ghost" received mixed reviews from critics at the time of its publication, with some praising its ambition and complexity, while others found it overly long and confusing. However, the book has developed a cult following over the years, and it's now widely regarded as one of Mailer's most important and innovative works.

If you're a fan of complex, challenging fiction, and you're interested in exploring the intersection of history, philosophy, and literature, then "Harlot's Ghost" might be the perfect book for you. Just be prepared for a dense, demanding read that will require your full attention and engagement!