Lesson Nine: Keep Human

Published in 1934, 'Tropic of Cancer' is a novel that blends autobiography and fiction, detailing Henry Miller's experiences as a struggling writer in Paris. The book is characterized by its stream-of-consciousness style and explicit descriptions of sexual encounters, poverty, and the bohemian lifestyle. It was initially banned in the US and UK due to its content but later became a significant work in American literature, influencing the development of erotica and modern literary forms. The novel explores themes of human condition, loneliness, and the decay of civilization, reflecting Miller's unique and often provocative writing style.