Reviews

The book is a dark and intense portrayal of addiction and its effects on individuals and their relationships. It follows the downward spirals of four characters - Harry Goldfarb, his girlfriend Marion, his mother Sara, and his best friend Tyrone - as they struggle with drug addiction and various forms of escapism. Through vivid and often disturbing language, the book portrays the destructive consequences of addiction and the devastating impact it can have on one's life. The story is a powerful commentary on the dangers of drugs and the hopelessness that often accompanies addiction.

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"Requiem for a Dream" is a novel written by Hubert Selby Jr., first published in 1978. The novel tells the story of four characters and their respective addictions to drugs, and the devastating consequences that result from their attempts to fulfill their desires.

One of the strengths of the novel is its vivid and intense portrayal of addiction. Selby's writing style is raw and unflinching, and he does not shy away from the physical and emotional toll that addiction takes on the characters. The novel is a powerful and disturbing depiction of the cycle of addiction, from the initial rush of pleasure to the desperation and despair that follows.

Another strength of the novel is its use of multiple narrators. The novel is divided into four sections, each narrated by one of the main characters. This allows Selby to explore the characters' inner thoughts and motivations in depth, and to show how their individual experiences of addiction intersect and influence each other. The use of multiple narrators also creates a sense of fragmentation and disorientation that mirrors the characters' own experiences.

Selby's writing style is distinctive and unconventional, using non-standard grammar and sentence structures to create a sense of urgency and immediacy. This can be challenging for some readers, but it also adds to the novel's impact, creating a sense of immersion and intensity that draws the reader into the characters' world.

In conclusion, "Requiem for a Dream" is a powerful and disturbing novel that offers a raw and unflinching portrayal of addiction. Selby's unconventional writing style and use of multiple narrators add to the novel's impact, creating a sense of urgency and intensity that draws the reader into the characters' experiences. While it is not an easy read, it is an important and insightful work that continues to resonate with readers today.

joelhook's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

joeyoudan's review against another edition

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4.75

So very, very bleak. Put this off for a while as I didn’t love Last Exit to Brooklyn but this book, for me, displays Selby’s unique style, grown up and more assured, and utilised far better. The book is fantastic and difficult; the narrative voice ingeniously weaving between the characters, all of whom have a distinct and interesting narrative tone, and a omniscient third person narrator that is absolutely vital in delivering the ironic judgement on the horrendous realities that the characters themselves try so hard to ignore. One minor criticism- thought ending the novel

with Tyrone in prison work was maybe not as impactful as the ending could have been. Despite the cheesiness, would have loved a phone call between Marion and Harry like in the movie (though make no mistake, this book is leagues beyond the movie).

bluehaneul's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

jennabst's review against another edition

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challenging emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This book is an unassuming, yet harrowing depiction of the rapid descent into several forms of addiction, the lengths the mind will go to to justify addiction, and the dire consequences that can arouse from it. Selby’s writing style is a perfect fit for this type of story; and the plotlines felt natural despite being absolutely terrifying to imagine. I felt emotional this entire book, and I think this is a must read for anyone who can stomach the content.

Content Warnings

cgilmo05's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

spootmix's review against another edition

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4.0

Excellent depictions of addiction. Captivating SOC narrative. Surprisingly heartbreaking.

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