Horse's Neck

by Pete Townshend

Book Overview

Townshend explores life's "razor-edged pathways" in this bold, impressionistic work of autobiographical fiction, with "intriguing experimental writing packed with vivid imagery" (Library Journal) that... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 039538348X
• ISBN13: 9780395383483
• Release Date: January 1985
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
• Length: 134 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Quite interesting

A very good read, lots of creative imagery. I think you should know a bit about Pete before you read the book or you might be a little shocked! I used to be very confused by Pete Townshend, but this clears it all up for me. Really fun stories that compare to nothing I have every read before! Get it now...

More insight into Pete Townshend's tremendous writing.

I've long been very appreciative of Pete's literate writing for the Who, and his impressive, more personal solo work. No one in rock's history had been able to express the highs and lows of growing up, becoming an adult, and existing in modern society quite like Pete Townshend. In "Horse's Neck", you receive even more of a literate expression - this time without the restraints of music. The literature forms music of its own. It's a joy to read and read again. If you're a fan of the Who, rock, modern culture or great modern literature, this is a "must read"!

Very desperate

You wish Pete would cut through the crap on his records. Here, he finally does. Very courageous writing. Filled with vivid sexual fantasies, somewhat funny somewhat skewed, filled with pain and passion of unrequitted love. He doesn't justify his actions in these stories. He simply expresses what he's feeling and tells it like it is. You can take him or leave him. He's in too much torment to care. A very gutsy set of stories. Well worth the read. I wish the big time novelists would have even half the guts.

Excellent

Whether you are a fan of Townshend or not, it would be hard to ignore the talent that lies within the pages of this book. The stories unfold just as his music does...enigmatic and full of genuine emotion. From the sorrows of being a misunderstood superstar to early memories of a child searching for love, Pete weaves master tales interlaced with biological threads. I highly recommend this book to all readers, and to fans of Townshend this is definitely a must-read.

A great book with many connections to the Who's best music.

I consider this book in two ways: As a reader and as a lifelong fan of the Who. As a reader, I am fascinated at the use of language. Townshend's literary voice is as unique and as potent as his musical voice. As a fan, I am struck by the connections between some of the stories in Horse's Neck and Townshend's music. Read "Ropes" and "Fish Shop" to find connections (thematic and character-based) back to Pete's solo work and his writings for the Who.