"One of the greatest achievements of modern literature." -Richard Howard
"A major achievement . . . . Genet transforms experiences of degradation
into spiritual exercises and hoodlums into bearers of the majesty of
love." -Saturday Review
"This book recreates for the reader Genet's magic world, one of dazzling
beauty charged with novelty and excitement." -Bettina Knapp
"Genet would have deserved international standing for this novel alone.
. . . He succeeds to an amazing degree in creating poetry from the
profoundest degradation." -The Times (London)