"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)