Story perspectives

Richard Hell's 'Godlike': A Queer Exploration of Love and Art

3/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Richard Hell's novel "Godlike" explores art, love, aging, and queerness, drawing parallels to the tumultuous relationship between Paul Verlaine and Arthur Rimbaud.
The narrative references literary figures and texts to capture the intensity of Paul Verlaine and Arthur Rimbaud's affair.
Richard Hell acknowledges Rimbaud's influence on his work.
The author reflects on the punk rock scene's roots in literary inspiration and notes kinship with Hell navigating a constrained world.

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Story summary

Richard Hell's novel "Godlike" explores art, love, aging, and queerness, drawing parallels to the tumultuous relationship between Paul Verlaine and Arthur Rimbaud.
The narrative references literary figures and texts to capture the intensity of Paul Verlaine and Arthur Rimbaud's affair.
Richard Hell acknowledges Rimbaud's influence on his work.
The author reflects on the punk rock scene's roots in literary inspiration and notes kinship with Hell navigating a constrained world.