Reviews

BUtterfield 8 by John O'Hara

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erinray82's review against another edition

3.0

I feel rather divided about this book. I believe that I didn't enjoy it more because it lacked something that let me emotionally connect to the characters in a consistent way. It was choppy in that regard. It was very matter of fact, very linear. There were spells where I would read steadily, following along and trying not to be bored to tears. And them, I'd just fall in, like an unexpected drop off in a swimming pool. I'd find myself deep into some truly beautiful writing. It would be descriptive, it would be profound, and in those moments I truly felt like I knew these characters and new them well. In those moments I could identify. And then I would be jolted out, like some abrupt and jarring rescue, and I'd go about linearly again, taking in nothing but facts about the Depression, prohibition, and the practiced manner in which men and women spoke to one another in the 20s and 30s. I found the speech both lovely and infuriating. The language was elevated, practiced, witty in a way it isn't now, thoughtful and evocative in a way I can't perfectly explain. Women were coy and manipulative, even in language. Men were heavy handed and spoke above women, but had blaring moments of protectiveness that made them seem like gentlemen. On the other hand, nobody really says what they mean, or rarely, if ever. It's all about reading between the lines... a task I found amusing on the good days, annoying on all the others.

blueyorkie's review against another edition

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5.0

John O'Hara's novel, BUtterfield 8 (the title came from Gloria's telephone exchange when phone numbers were a combination of letters and numbers), differs considerably from Elizabeth Taylor's film. A significant contrast is set in 1931, the beginnings, but not yet the depths of the Depression, in a New York City where Prohibition is still in force—spent that a great deal of time drifting from one speakeasy to another, a portrait of a city starved for alcohol. It takes a while for Gloria Wandrous to focus as the book's central character, as it begins as a kaleidoscopic portrait of the city and its inhabitants. The torn evening gown and the stolen mink coat, so memorable in the film, propel the plot forward. In the movie, the trio of Gloria, Liggett, and her friend, Eddie (as played by the hopelessly inept Eddie Fisher) eventually takes control of the narrative.

bingsdings's review against another edition

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mysterious reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Content Warnings

zacholiva's review against another edition

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3.0

Gloria and Eddie’s dynamic was really enjoyable but there was no connection between Gloria and Weston other than Gloria being sad of being single :| I really appreciate the frankness with which O’Hara discusses sexuality but parts of the book feel meandering and just don’t make sense

jwmcoaching's review against another edition

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4.0

Wow, this must have caused quite a stink when it was published in 1935. It must have been like Fifty Shades or Peyton Place but multiplied by a million. Sex, adultery, abortion, drugs, alcohol, masturbation, orgies, it's all here. This gives us a look at what was really going on behind the scenes in Gatsby during roughly the same era. Unlike Fitzgerald, O'Hara doesn't scrimp on details.

As is mentioned in the introduction, this still wouldn't make it onto most high school syllabi today. And the dialogue... O'Hara can write dialogue like nobody's business. Forget Hemingway. If it wasn't for the fact that he is so explicit in his writing, he probably would be taught a lot more and be much more well known than he is. He's a realist to the core.

I still prefer Appointment at Samarra but this one is still a classic. It's a shame that the last 20 pages are a bust though. It's almost like O'Hara didn't really know how to bring things to a close so he just grasped at straws for an ending. I wish that he had stuck the landing but, otherwise, this is a real winner.

tommiesis's review against another edition

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4.0

The whole story was quite vivid in my head. I was transported to the city and the lives this book encompassed. I see why it's a classic and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a period piece of fiction.