The Adaptable Educator’s Daily Book Review: Skywriting by Word of Mouth by John Lennon

John Lennon’s Skywriting by Word of Mouth is an intricate tapestry of absurdist humour, raw vulnerability, and experimental narrative—a reflection of its author’s multifaceted identity as a cultural icon, avant-garde artist, and eternal provocateur. Posthumously published in 1986, this collection of essays, anecdotes, and wordplay offers readers a glimpse into Lennon’s creative psyche, blending his penchant for surrealism with a biting critique of fame, society, and his own contradictions.

The book’s structure defies traditional categorization. Lennon eschews linear storytelling in favor of a chaotic bricolage, reminiscent of Dadaist art or James Joyce’s Finnegans Wake. His prose often dances on the edge of meaning, weaving together nonsensical humor with moments of profound introspection. For instance, in “The Ballad of the Skeletons,” Lennon transforms the banality of daily life into a rhythmic, almost hypnotic meditation on mortality. Such moments are peppered throughout the text, offering readers a sense of Lennon’s introspective depth masked by his signature irreverence.

One of the book’s most compelling features is its linguistic experimentation. Lennon, who once declared himself a “rebel for real,” crafts sentences with a mischievous disregard for grammar and convention. Puns, malapropisms, and portmanteaux abound, creating a playful linguistic landscape that invites readers to approach language as an art form rather than a mere tool for communication. This stylistic approach feels particularly resonant with Lennon’s lyrical legacy as a songwriter, where he often bent language to suit his artistic vision.

Thematically, Skywriting by Word of Mouth oscillates between comedy and existential weight. Lennon reflects on the isolating effects of fame, the absurdity of celebrity culture, and his tumultuous journey of self-discovery. His reflections on Yoko Ono, their love, and the media’s often toxic fascination with their relationship are among the book’s most touching passages. Here, Lennon emerges as a man caught between his yearning for intimacy and the relentless scrutiny of public life—a duality that adds depth to his more whimsical musings.

Yet, the book is not without its flaws. Its deliberate incoherence, while charming in small doses, can at times feel overly self-indulgent. Readers unfamiliar with Lennon’s artistic ethos or the context of his life might find certain passages alienating. Additionally, some of his humour, while reflective of its time, may strike modern readers as dated or insensitive.

Despite these shortcomings, Skywriting by Word of Mouth is a vital artifact of Lennon’s artistic legacy. It reveals a man unafraid to experiment, to mock himself, and to grapple with his own contradictions. For scholars and fans alike, the book offers a richer understanding of Lennon as an artist who continually sought to push boundaries, whether in music, activism, or prose.

Ultimately, Skywriting by Word of Mouth is a work that resists easy interpretation—much like Lennon himself. It invites readers to embrace the absurd, to find meaning in chaos, and to appreciate the enduring power of creativity to disrupt, heal, and inspire. For those willing to engage with its eccentricities, Lennon’s literary swan song is a rewarding, if challenging, journey through the mind of a true iconoclast.