A review by swineberg
Vernon Subutex 1 by Virginie Despentes

4.0

A real dirtbag odyssey, loudly grotesque and quietly humane. The characters’ bigotries (racism, misogyny, homophobia, anti-semitism, honestly you name it) are rendered in such fascinating detail that it can be difficult to swallow. Even though it’s clear the author doesn’t agree with them, and even if you come in braced, there’s bound to be something to shock or disgust you. Though I grimaced through much of it, I’m glad I did and I’m sure I will read part two. However I’m less sure that I know many people who would want to do the same.