Тихие дни в Клиши

Review of «Quiet Days in Clichy» by Henry Miller 
"Quiet Days in Clichy" (1956) is Henry Miller in his raw, unfiltered form—a semi-autobiographical novella that blends hedonism, existential musings, and the gritty charm of bohemian Paris. Less infamous than «Tropic of Cancer» but equally provocative, it captures Miller’s signature mix of eroticism, humor, and lyrical chaos. 
Plot & Tone 
The book follows Miller’s alter-ego, "Joey," and his friend Carl as they scrape by in 1930s Paris, bouncing between cramped apartments, seedy caf;s, and the beds of lovers. There’s no traditional plot—just a stream of vignettes about sex, poverty, and artistic defiance. The tone swings from raunchy comedy ("We ate, drank, screwed, and talked endlessly about nothing") to sudden bursts of poetic beauty ("Paris is like a whore—from a distance she seems ravishing, but up close you see the cracks and the paint"). 
Style & Themes 
Sex as Liberation: Miller’s graphic encounters aren’t just titillation; they’re acts of rebellion against societal repression. Yet unlike «Tropic of Cancer» the erotic scenes here feel more playful than confrontational. 
Bohemian Romance: The book romanticizes the starving artist’s life, where a loaf of bread, cheap wine, and a willing lover constitute riches. 
Nostalgia & Cynicism: Beneath the debauchery, there’s a wistful ache for lost youth and fleeting connections. 
Strengths & Weaknesses 
Miller’s Voice: His prose is alive—vulgar, witty, and unexpectedly tender. 
Atmosphere: You can smell the Gauloises, sweat, and garlic in these pages. 
Repetitive: If you’ve read other Miller, this covers familiar ground (sex, poverty, more sex). 
Not for Everyone: The objectification of women and lack of plot will alienate some. 
Legacy & Controversy 
Banned in the U.S. until the 1960s, «Clichy» now feels tame compared to modern erotica but retains its edge as a manifesto for unapologetic living. It’s Miller at his most accessible—shorter, funnier, and less abrasive than his «Tropic» books. 

Verdict: A horny, hilarious, and oddly poignant snapshot of artistic freedom. Not his masterpiece, but pure Miller. 
Rating: 4/5 
For fans of Bukowski, Genet, or anyone who’s ever dreamed of starving gloriously in Paris.