A review by tiahnaparis
American Psycho, by Bret Easton Ellis

challenging dark tense slow-paced

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

4.0

I preferred the movie but it was very interesting to read the book and pick up on the adaptations differences. Like others have said it has VERY graphic passages (way worse than the movie) and it can get monotonous because the graphic passages are contrasted with pages and pages of meticulous outfit descriptions and musical reviews. I am a fast reader but read this book over a long time because the passages could be monotonous (intentionally). I think it’s very good at highlighting just how  reprehensible Bateman is and makes a good satire but it’s also not the most fun reading about someone who is so reprehensible, especially as a woman. The movie cannot or does not show as much horrible graphic stuff and doesn’t live entirely in Bateman’s head: there is narration but you do get breaks from it. It’s also directed by a woman and I find makes a better satire by fleshing out the world outside of Bateman and leaning more into the dark comedy aspects.