The Day We Talked About James Thurber Summary

Down on his luck selling his work, Bukowski is forced to room with Andre ("Frenchy"), an "immortal," fastidious, and bisexual French poet in Venice, CA. Andre speaks seven languages, has likable ways, and takes good care of Bukowski. He has known all of the great literary figures of the mid-20th century and likes to drop names. Like many—including Bukowski—Andre has been cheated on movie contracts. Bukowski repeatedly vomits at the sight of Andre's enormous penis, which Andre often displays, even when doing yoga. Bukowski prefers to walk on the beach whenever visitors (usually male) come to satisfy Andre.

Andre gets an offer to read poetry somewhere and leaves Bukowski alone to write. Admirers of the French genius arrive, however, and assume he is Andre. The unnamed...