kimziemae's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
outbeet's review
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Rape, Violence, Torture, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, and Sexual content
amy_reads_23's review against another edition
4.0
This is such a difficult book to review because you are left dumbfounded as to what just happened. It is hauntingly horrific. The hard core porn followed by maiming and brutally murdering the women leaves you feeling queezy. (ie. The rat scene) A writer that can evoke a physical reaction in the reader is doing his job well. The chapters of manic normalcy in between the chapters of psychotic breakdowns toy with the reader. I enjoy how it is eluded to that in a sea of well dressed, wealthy, errogant, misogynistic New Yorkers, the devil himself can hide in plane sight. It is debatable whether these murders and acts of violence actually occur because of how openly they are commited with no retribution. It seems as if it is possible that the entire book is a fantasized psychological breakdown. I only gave it 4 stars because of the ending while fitting also fell flat, an afterward would have helped.
absurtiddy's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
yeller's review against another edition
3.0
I admit, I didn't quite finish this. I mean to, at some point after my semester ends, as I'm only twenty pages from the end. I just don't know that I will, so here's my review. As a literature student, on some level I understand this book. I understand that it is satirical, and in that sense, it is brilliant. Ellis is very skillful in portraying the madness of his main character and narrator. Objectively, he's a fantastic writer. The way he wrote certain stream-of-consciousness passages really allows you to get into Bateman's head, if you consider that a good thing.
But obviously, this book was very hard to get through. I made it most of the way without much problem, as I'm pretty hard to shake or disturb. But it got to the point where every three pages was a very explicit, very violent description of the sexual and physical torture of someone, and I couldn't make it through. It was just too violent. There was a massive controversy surrounding the publishing of this book. Ellis had received a large advance and then his publish refused to publish because of the content. I truly believe that if not for that huge scandal in the publishing industry, this novel would not have sold even half the books it did. I have a very strong stomach, so approach this book with caution. If I was so disturbed I couldn't finish, that's really saying a lot.
But obviously, this book was very hard to get through. I made it most of the way without much problem, as I'm pretty hard to shake or disturb. But it got to the point where every three pages was a very explicit, very violent description of the sexual and physical torture of someone, and I couldn't make it through. It was just too violent. There was a massive controversy surrounding the publishing of this book. Ellis had received a large advance and then his publish refused to publish because of the content. I truly believe that if not for that huge scandal in the publishing industry, this novel would not have sold even half the books it did. I have a very strong stomach, so approach this book with caution. If I was so disturbed I couldn't finish, that's really saying a lot.
cet828's review against another edition
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
slushhhhy's review against another edition
2.0
I wouldn't say I'm particularly squeamish or easily offended when it comes to book content but it did get a bit tedious reading porn/torture porn every other chapter, with brand and clothing descriptions in between that. I so wanted to like this book as much as I do the film, but I actually think this is one of those times where the film is done better!
I feel like I got the satire and nihilistic message in the first half of the book so getting through the last part was a real slog. I guess by the end of it is when you realise how much of an unreliable narrator Bateman is and yeah makes you question all of reality blabla, but honestly that message could have been delivered in 200 less words and at least 10 less sexually violent murders. The whole book just has the same stuff, repeated in slightly different scenarios throughout. Apart from the very end as mentioned. I don't know whether to feel proud I finished it or regret for wasting my time!
I feel like I got the satire and nihilistic message in the first half of the book so getting through the last part was a real slog. I guess by the end of it is when you realise how much of an unreliable narrator Bateman is and yeah makes you question all of reality blabla, but honestly that message could have been delivered in 200 less words and at least 10 less sexually violent murders. The whole book just has the same stuff, repeated in slightly different scenarios throughout. Apart from the very end as mentioned. I don't know whether to feel proud I finished it or regret for wasting my time!
irismkeller's review against another edition
dark
tense
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
3.5ish