Naked Lunch

3.5 avg 100596 votes 6213 reviews 157783 want to read

About this book

Controversial and bizarre cult novel based on the author’s own experiences as a drug addict, first published in 1959. Formed as a series of inter-connected adventures set in locations as diverse as the U.S. Mexico and Morocco sees the protagonist, Burroughs’ alter-ego William Lee on the run from the police and always searching for his next fix. Burroughs once stated that the chapters can be read in any order.

3.5 ★★★☆☆ average of 4 sources · 100596 votes
Open Library 3.8 21
1★2★3★4★5★
Goodreads 3.5 100596

6,213 reviews · 157,783 want to read · 5,741 reading now

Apple Books 3.5 131
Hardcover 3.4 213

Reader Profile

Enjoyment69Difficulty60Influence82Popularity70Classic67

3.5/5 · 100596 readers · 255 pages · ≈ 4 h 43 m · Moderate

How long does it take to read Naked Lunch?

About ≈ 4 h 43 m — 255 pages, assuming roughly 250 words per page at 225 words per minute.Typical novel≈ 5 h 56 mNaked Lunch~4 h 43 m

How many pages is Naked Lunch?

255 pages in its most-read edition.Typical novel320Naked Lunch255

What genre is Naked Lunch?

It sits on the Drama, Biography & Memoir, Fiction shelves.

Has Naked Lunch been made into a movie or TV show?

Yes — screen adaptations include Naked Lunch (1992), Naked Lunch (1991).

Is Naked Lunch in the public domain?

No — it is still under copyright.

Who are the main characters in Naked Lunch?

The main characters include William Lee.

Where does Naked Lunch take place?

It is set in United States, New Mexico, Mexico during 1950s.

Who wrote Naked Lunch?

William S. Burroughs (1914–1997).

Why has Naked Lunch been challenged or banned?

It appears on Wikipedia's list of books banned by governments.

Setting United StatesNew MexicoMexico Time period 1950s Characters William Lee
Naked Lunch ★ 3.5 · 4 sources Check price →