A review by elissalynn
The Shards by Bret Easton Ellis

3.0

If I rated this book before it ended, it would be a four star. But it does conclude, and it’s sometimes tonally confusing spiral takes the Bret character, albeit intentionally, into a less satisfying headspace.

What makes this problematic is that it seems to be the whole point.

Bret the author shows his chops early and often and provides some great atmosphere, but Bret the (protagonist?) character is underserved in the long run.

I have to assume the often excruciating LA driving detail was akin to the sarcasm of the Californians of SNL. But somewhere in there BEE provides some cool settings that vary in effectiveness but are overall satisfying. Once we arrive at our destinations they are fun spaces to live in.

Characters are well drawn personalities but the physical appearances I couldn’t see clearly. They are too fantastical. Despite them all being blonde with impeccable bodies and huge breasts and pink butts I still imagined many of them as not blonde by necessity just to not be distracted.

A fun journey, worth a read, good concept and obviously talented writer, but the endings that might be are more fun than the ending that is.

Three and a half blonde stars.