Trigger Warning: The mention of certain content and topics in this article may be triggering to some readers. These novels may include Mentions of substance abuse, addiction, and graphic violence. Please exercise personal care when reading.
Born Feb 5th, 1914, Burroughs was a prolific writer and artist who wrote 18 novels/novellas, six short story collections, and four essay collections. Known for his experimental and surrealist style, his works covered heavy subject matters such as substance abuse, addiction, mental illness, and violence. Burroughs was known for his depictions of gay culture and drug use in the 1950s, which were largely demonized subjects.
With his works being described as erratic, unhinged, and dystopian, his writings vary across science fiction, speculative fiction, dystopian, and semi-autobiographical. Often with unreliable narrators and non-linear storytelling, Burroughs works come off as reading drug-impaired dreams and nightmares. His novels are often satirical, anti-establishment, with twists of humor and the occult. Due to his unique style and critical writing, Burroughs is largely hailed as a radical genius with significantly influential works.
Naked Lunch
Published in 1959, Naked Lunch depicts the non-linear travels of a narcotics addict as he travels through New York, Tangiers, and a wasteland dubbed the “interzone.” The novel received a level of infamy as one of the last books banned by the U.S Government for its obscene and controversial subject matter. The ban was overturned by the courts in 1966, and is now argued to be Burroughs’ most popular and influential work.
Junky
Burroughs’ first novel, Junky, was published under the pen name William Lee. Understood as a semi-autobiographical account of Burroughs’ own experiences, the novel follows “William Lee” as he falls into the rabbit hole of addiction, first selling stolen opiates and becoming reliant on his own supply. The readers follow the protagonist as he and a fellow addict concoct different desperate plans to earn cash to support their lifestyle. Junky delves into homosexuality and the difficulty of rehabilitation. As his first novel, many consider it Burroughs’ foundation for his later experimental works.
Queer
Written in 1952 and published in 1985, this novel follows the paranormal tale of an American expatriate named William Lee, who battles unrequited gay love and crippling heroin withdrawal. A sequel following Junky, the novel explores the bleakness of societal expectations and the demonization of homosexuality. This cult classic has been adapted into a film of the same title, which was released in the United States in late November 2024.
The Soft Machine
A surreal science fiction adventure into the depths of imagination and the human body, The Soft Machine was published in 1961. The first of his experimental “cut up” novel structure, The Soft Machine was “cut up” to produce the rest of his Nova trilogy. This experimental style entailed cutting up both his own and others’ written work, then reassembling words and sentences into new works. With time travel, Mayan Calendars, aliens, and an insane cast of characters, The Soft Machine is a wild ride from start to finish.
The Wild Boys: A Book of the Dead
Inspired by his time at Los Alamos Ranch School for Boys in New Mexico, Wild Boys depicts a movement of homosexual youth to destroy western civilization. Set in an apocalyptic 20th century, roving gangs of young men aim to take over the world. A disjointed, sensory overload of violent guerrilla warfare, ritualistic sex, and the attempting to raise the dead, Wild Boys is a fever dream of a novel.
Astonishing, confusing and profound, Burroughs’ life and literary works are sure to leave a lasting impression. Whether you dive into the chaos of Wild Boys, or the gritty realism of Junky, we hope this list has been helpful in introducing you to the whirlwind of William S. Burroughs’ works!
Looking for More Classic Queer authors? Check out 5 Fascinating Historical LGBTQ+ Authors You Might Not Know
Want More Dystopian and Science-Fiction reads? Check out this Bookshelf Here!
