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A review by karolinak
Slow Days, Fast Company. The World, the Flesh, and L.A. by Eve Babitz
funny
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.25
I'm confused about my experience with this book. I was convinced I would love this, it seems right up my alley, but I was just so bored most of the time. The last of the stories pulled this up from 3 to a 3.25.
I'm fascinated with Eve Babitz, her character is very intriguing. She writes well and the book was full of memorable quotes. She's funny, she's sharp, and her outlook on life, relationships, and people is interesting while alien to me. Nonetheless, I was bored. I think it might be due to the book's setting in LA and surrounding areas which play a big part in this book. I have never been to LA or even USA, I think I just couldn't relate to or place myself in these settings. It was like joining a lecture midway through and struggling to keep up with the basic concepts. Why do we hate Palm Springs, why do we love this particular area or weather pattern and why does it all colour the story or influence a situation in a certain way? I don't know so I'm left on the outside wondering. I truly think had this been written by a socialite as fascinating as Babitz from and about an area I know and love, say London which people also love to hate, I would have eaten it up inside jokes and all.
I'm fascinated with Eve Babitz, her character is very intriguing. She writes well and the book was full of memorable quotes. She's funny, she's sharp, and her outlook on life, relationships, and people is interesting while alien to me. Nonetheless, I was bored. I think it might be due to the book's setting in LA and surrounding areas which play a big part in this book. I have never been to LA or even USA, I think I just couldn't relate to or place myself in these settings. It was like joining a lecture midway through and struggling to keep up with the basic concepts. Why do we hate Palm Springs, why do we love this particular area or weather pattern and why does it all colour the story or influence a situation in a certain way? I don't know so I'm left on the outside wondering. I truly think had this been written by a socialite as fascinating as Babitz from and about an area I know and love, say London which people also love to hate, I would have eaten it up inside jokes and all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Drug use, and Alcohol
Moderate: Suicide