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A review by polkadots_pints
The Rum Diary by Hunter S. Thompson
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.0
While I respect Hunter S. Thompson as a writer and revolutionary, this book was not for me. (Just did a quick internet search and it turns out the book wasn’t well-loved by the author either. Wikipedia said “Thompson had always felt it was too weak to sell, but now he needed money” and “The book sold well but Thompson was disappointed, calling it "the sloppiest job of Book Publishing I've ever seen.””)
The racist, sexist, and homophobic jabs made by the characters were too much for me, and distracted from the overall story. For those interested in the era, location, and lifestyle of the times (white male journalists living in San Juan in the late 1950s) it is probably an accurate depiction, but I suppose it’s not something I care that much about. So why did I continue reading it/finish it? I confess it’s because Thompson is a great writer, and I love what he can do with words. Additionally, I was curious enough to see where it was going.
The racist, sexist, and homophobic jabs made by the characters were too much for me, and distracted from the overall story. For those interested in the era, location, and lifestyle of the times (white male journalists living in San Juan in the late 1950s) it is probably an accurate depiction, but I suppose it’s not something I care that much about. So why did I continue reading it/finish it? I confess it’s because Thompson is a great writer, and I love what he can do with words. Additionally, I was curious enough to see where it was going.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Alcohol