jennabst's review against another edition
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.
Graphic: Racism, Racial slurs, Drug use, Addiction, Medical trauma, Drug abuse, and Sexual content
aignerloren's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-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
5.0
Graphic: Mental illness, Drug use, Medical trauma, Addiction, and Drug abuse
literarylion's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This was EXTREMELY graphic, sometimes gratuitously so, but I still think it has a lot to say, especially when it was published in the late 70s. Selby's experimentation with minimal punctuation was effective and didn't impact the flow. Probably some of the most complex and evocative character development I've read.
Graphic: Vomit, Cursing, Medical trauma, Mental illness, Addiction, Alcohol, Forced institutionalization, Gore, Police brutality, Racial slurs, Racism, Drug use, Excrement, Hate crime, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Misogyny, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Torture, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Body horror, Confinement, Drug abuse, Death, Sexism, Toxic friendship, and Violence
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