The book is structured as a series of loosely connected vignettes. Burroughs stated that the chapters are intended to be read in any order.
The reader follows the narration of junkie William Lee from the U.S. to Mexico, eventually to Tangier and the dreamlike Interzone.
The vignettes are drawn from Burroughs’ own experiences in these places and his addiction to drugs.
A classic of the so called counter culture which existed in 1950’s and 1960’s.