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A review by sidekicksam
The Rules of Attraction by Bret Easton Ellis
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
We follow the college stories of Sean Bateman, Lauren Hynde and Paul Denton, told from both their own and their peers' perspectives. They are all messy characters, and their world involves a lot of drugs, identity crises, and sex.
I loved how we get a glimpse into everyone's head and how each experiences the same things differently. In typical Ellis style (never mind that this is only the second book I've read of his), the book is quite gloomy and dark, but it doesn't read as a heavy book per se, and the satirical tone of voice is so well done that it's almost comical at times.
Though not universal, the college experience that is depicted in The Rules of Attraction has at least a few elements that are relatable. The anonimity on a big campus, the unwritten rules of how to socialize and maintain relationships, and that the actual learning bit of college isn't even the main thing a day revolves around.
Another (definitely less sinister but still dark) highly enjoyable read of Bret Easton Ellis! Can't wait to read more of his oeuvre.
I loved how we get a glimpse into everyone's head and how each experiences the same things differently. In typical Ellis style (never mind that this is only the second book I've read of his), the book is quite gloomy and dark, but it doesn't read as a heavy book per se, and the satirical tone of voice is so well done that it's almost comical at times.
Though not universal, the college experience that is depicted in The Rules of Attraction has at least a few elements that are relatable. The anonimity on a big campus, the unwritten rules of how to socialize and maintain relationships, and that the actual learning bit of college isn't even the main thing a day revolves around.
Another (definitely less sinister but still dark) highly enjoyable read of Bret Easton Ellis! Can't wait to read more of his oeuvre.