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A review by dom_jones
The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe
4.0
Very easy to read and an entertaining plot, not quite outweighed by the horrible movie poster cover. Read as a reflection of 1980s New York and it’s corresponding social conflicts, this book has some interesting aspects.
The character of Rev. Bacon stuck out to me, particularly the way he outlines his ideology to the DA’s office in chapter 6. The idea of weaponising minority anger is a valid and deep topic, even if Bacon’s exploitation of it for financial gain is reprehensible.
I did find Wolfe’s representations of black characters somewhat problematic through this book. Black characters seem to be reduced to the status of comic, violent, self serving thugs, with their community undermined by central tenets of violence and crime.
On the other hand, Wolfe’s depiction of white characters is equally unflattering. All male characters come with plenty of laughable ego and self-importance - the complete takedown of the DA’s assistant Kramer at the end of the novel is very satisfying. The novel’s many diner dates between characters particularly highlight male ego and self importance, with characters boring their female or otherwise ‘subordinate’ companions.
Overall, quite a fun novel with deeper points to be taken too - enjoyed.
The character of Rev. Bacon stuck out to me, particularly the way he outlines his ideology to the DA’s office in chapter 6. The idea of weaponising minority anger is a valid and deep topic, even if Bacon’s exploitation of it for financial gain is reprehensible.
I did find Wolfe’s representations of black characters somewhat problematic through this book. Black characters seem to be reduced to the status of comic, violent, self serving thugs, with their community undermined by central tenets of violence and crime.
On the other hand, Wolfe’s depiction of white characters is equally unflattering. All male characters come with plenty of laughable ego and self-importance - the complete takedown of the DA’s assistant Kramer at the end of the novel is very satisfying. The novel’s many diner dates between characters particularly highlight male ego and self importance, with characters boring their female or otherwise ‘subordinate’ companions.
Overall, quite a fun novel with deeper points to be taken too - enjoyed.