Big Sur (1962) by Jack Kerouac is a semi-autobiographical novel that delves into the life of Jack Duluoz, a character reflecting Kerouac himself, as he grapples with alcoholism and the fallout from his earlier success. The story follows Duluoz's retreat to a friend's cabin in Big Sur to escape his chaotic life in San Francisco. Amidst the natural beauty and solitude, he seeks solace and redemption but finds himself struggling with old habits and inner demons. The novel explores themes of aging, mortality, and the challenge of living up to one’s own legend. It paints a vivid picture of a man trying to reconcile his past with his present, culminating in a dramatic breakdown and eventual sense of renewal.
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