“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)