"Naked Lunch" is a novel by William S. Burroughs, first published in 1959. It is considered a seminal work of the Beat Generation and is known for its avant-garde style and controversial themes.

The novel is structured as a series of loosely connected vignettes and scenes, often featuring surreal and grotesque imagery. The main character is a writer named William Lee, who travels from city to city and becomes increasingly addicted to drugs. The narrative also includes elements of science fiction, as well as scenes depicting homosexuality and other taboo subjects.

At its core, "Naked Lunch" is a commentary on the human condition, exploring themes of addiction, power, and the meaning of existence. The novel's unconventional style, which blurs the line between reality and fantasy, has made it a challenge to classify, but it has also been praised for its boldness and originality.

Despite its controversial content, "Naked Lunch" has been widely influential, and its impact can be seen in a range of subsequent works in literature, film, and other media. It remains a challenging and powerful work of fiction that continues to provoke and engage readers today.