Strategically embedded in the seemingly random, wandering, moment to moment depiction of one man's conflicted life lies intentional philosophical observations and lessons that Miller needs us to see, needs us to hear. The nature of mankind; the good, the bad, and the ugliness of human existence. What, did he calculate, could get us human animals to pay attention for more the a few seconds? To hear what he needed us to hear? Sex, of course. Brash, loud, graphic, uncomfortable, squirmy, steamy sex. And now that he has our attention, here lies the blood life of his message:
"Everybody becomes a healer the moment he forgets about himself. As long as we live self-consciously we must always fail to cope with the world. Everybody is a neurotic down to the last man and woman. We must die as egos and be born again in the swarm, not separate and self-hypnotized, but individual and related."
A master with words and thought. A brilliant and tormented mind. Henry Miller...bravo ( )

Henry Miller is a skilled, intelligent and creative writer. His philosophy of art and social criticism are relevant for the 30 year old struggling artist he depicts and is beautifully written, as is his self-analysis and criticism. His alleged sexual exploits are unfortunate. Usually sexual literature does not bother me. However, this time, I took exception. I believe Miller’s self-doubt caused him to feel an obsessive need to relate his imagined, or real, sexual escapades and abuse ad nauseam. He had something to prove to himself and his readers. It was not art he was sharing, it was his immaturity. It is my hope that, over time, Miller self-actualized and wrote Nexus and Plexus with more self-respect and full use of his illustrious, imaginative writing faculties. Outside of this mild rebuke (humor), I do enjoy his writing and will continue to explore his work. ( )

The first book in Henry Miller's trilogy, "The Rosy Crucifixion", "Sexus", offers a peek into the mind of Henry Miller himself. It is a graphic, cerebral, visceral rendition of his life as a penniless, brilliant, sexually prolific mooch. I cannot say if I think he is horrid or marvelous. What I can say is that his writing is amazing. His use of language and breadth of reference is compelling. He seems like a man folks would hate to love, but would love being around. I look forward to the next two volumes of the trilogy. ( )

This book (which I read at age 17) changed my outlook on life. I was severely depressed and felt there was no joy in life but the exuberance of Miller, the way he fully embraced and enjoyed everything he experienced opened me to the possibility that life could be worth living. I aspire to match his engagement with the world around him. ( )

I'm not sure I recall enough to merit a review. The autobiographical aspects appeared to fuel such: equal elements of Freudians and Russians within. ( )