Dhalgren is a novel written by Samuel R. Delany and published in 1975, which has become a cult classic in the science fiction genre. It is a complex work of postmodern literature that ranges from surrealism to utopian fiction to critiques of race, gender, and politics that challenges readers to expand their perspectives on such topics in ways they might not have considered before.

The story takes place in the fictional city of Bellona, which has been struck by a mysterious disaster that has left it in a state of decay and confusion. The protagonist, a young poet whose real name is never revealed but who goes by the pseudonym of Kid, finds himself stranded in Bellona and unable to leave due to a force field that surrounds the city. As he navigates the chaos of the city, he encounters a diverse cast of characters living outside the norms of society, including gangs, anarchists, and artists.

The novel does not follow a traditional narrative structure and is meant to be read in a nonlinear fashion. The reader encounters recurring scenes and characters that are viewed from different perspectives and in varying orders. There are also disruptions in the text itself, including gaps, unconventional punctuation, and blank pages that contribute to the dreamlike quality of the story.

One of the central themes of the novel is the nature of identity, particularly in relation to race and sexuality. Kid, who is a black man, struggles with his own racial identity and the way that others perceive him. He is also bisexual and engages in sexual relationships with both men and women.

Delany explores gender and sexuality through the character of Denny, a young woman who is referred to as a "boy" by some of the characters in the novel. Denny experiments with gender fluidity and is attracted to both men and women. The novel offers a powerful critique of gender norms and the expectations placed on individuals based on their sex.

The novel also critiques social and political power structures, particularly those of authoritarianism and capitalism. The gangs in Bellona operate in a collective manner, with power being distributed among different members rather than being centralized in one leader. This model of governance contrasts with the authoritarian regime that is attempting to take over Bellona.

Capitalism is also scrutinized through the character of Tak, who runs a successful business that sells discount furniture. Tak is at odds with the anarchist factions in Bellona but also provides a sense of stability to the city. The novel explores the tension between individualism and collective action, highlighting the problematic aspects of both models.

The city of Bellona itself is a character in the novel, and Delany uses it to examine the nature of human society and civilization. The city is a sprawling metropolis that has been left in a state of decay following the disaster. It is a place where the normal rules of society no longer apply and where individuals are able to experiment with new ways of living. It is simultaneously a utopia and a dystopia, a place where the promise of freedom and creativity is countered by the dangers of chaos and violence.

Dhalgren has been praised for its experimental style and the way it challenges readers to question their assumptions about identity, power, and society. Some critics have compared it to the works of James Joyce and William S. Burroughs for its innovative use of language and unconventional narrative structure.

At the same time, the novel has been criticized for its graphic depictions of sex and violence, which some readers have found disturbing or offensive. Others have found the nonlinear structure confusing and difficult to follow.

Despite these criticisms, Dhalgren has remained a beloved classic in the science fiction genre and an important work of postmodern literature. It continues to inspire new generations of readers to expand their perspectives and challenge their assumptions about the world around them.

I recall / and want/ this wanting:
    Swinging up into the cab of a truck, miles north of Florida, and the driver asking how long you've been hitching, and the sunlight fills his lime-splattered lap and your rank jeans and he lets the radio play pop music for a while, for a while country; then twists the dial; your forearm burns on the outer edge of the door, your hair snaps and your cheek freezes, and the motion is spindled on the rush of music.  So you sit, just breathing, to hear and to move through the red and green country, with the sun in the tree-tops a stutter and bright explosions.
    The City suffers from the lack of it.
    But most of us /have/ come to here by way of it.