Ardennian Boy focuses on the relationship that poets Paul Verlaine and Arthur Rimbaud shared. The concept is interesting in that some of the explicit poetry that they wrote about each other has been used to put together a fictitious account of their graphic affair. Each chapter is an exhausting read, as each is seemingly centered around an explicit sexual experience that seems to go on and on in excruciating detail. The bulk of the book is made of erotic escapades that are told from both Verlaine’s and Rim-baud’s point of view. A sliver of a story propels the plot forward.
Instead of tantalizing, however, the effect is annoying and makes a very tedious read. Verlaine is torn between a normal life with a wife and one with Rimbaud that is hedonistic and sexually charged, yet isolating from everything he has ever known. Rimbaud’s concern is that Verlaine is not as fully appreciated for his literary skill as he should be. Rimbaud embarks on a task to shake up Verlaine’s world for the sake of his craft. The poetry they wrote to each other can be seen as evidence of the quest they undertook.
If you enjoyed the movie Total Eclipse, this book describes possibly offensive sexual antics in more detail and then some. Not recommended for any library other than one’s personal collection.
Reviewed by Johnnie N. Gray
Interlibrary Loan Librarian
Christopher Newport University
