Publisher's Synopsis
Not since Samuel Beckett has a writer of Michael Brodskey's caliber made an appearance. Acknowledged as one of the most original and substantial writers America has produced in this century, Michael Brodskey's dark style is in defiant contrast to prevalent trends in contemporary writing. His English is not "proper;" his sentences are not smooth or pretty. Like no other writer of his generation, Brodsky weaves a dense tapestry of words that completely envelopes the reader. In 'Xman" Brodskey has created a unique and timely parable, the story of an anonymous hero who seeks a meaning, and meaning, to his life. As Xman slumps from job interview to job interview, job to job, he gradually comes to realize that there is no place for him in this or any society, and he resolves to destroy what he cannot accept or be accepted by.
