Reviews with content warning for Violence - Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Hunter Thompson does modern take on Hell. The wolf was seen in Inferno Cant I. Translation from https://digitaldante.columbia.edu/dante/divine-comedy/inferno/inferno-1/: “Maladetta sie tu, antica lupa, / che più che tutte l’altre bestie hai preda / per la tua fame sanza fine cupa!” (Cursed be you, ancient wolf, who more than all the other beasts have prey, because of your deep hunger without end! [Purg. 20.10-12])

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moranguinhos's review

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adventurous dark funny fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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sarahuwu's review against another edition

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dark tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.25

If this is the American dream, I want no part in it. Thompson comes across as totally unhinged in the worst possible way. As a look into the drug culture of the early 70s, it works almost as a cautionary tale of paranoia, violence, and filth. This book is completely bizarre and probably makes more sense to people who lived through the time it was written than it ever will to me.

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bookish_bry's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This is a well written and good book, but I personally didn't derive much enjoyment out of it. It's a pretty pessimistic book and the characters are all deplorable which doesn't make it a bad book, but one that doesn't really catch my attention.

That being said, the themes were on point and it was an interesting look into a very specific subculture in the US during the 1970s. It's the optimistic free love culture from the 60s soured by pessimism during the Vietnam war, but the main character (the author himself really) still can't quite let it go. It also takes an interesting look at the main American culture as well.

The writing style was always intriguing and well done even when I was slightly bored or frustrated with the content. Overall it's a solid book. I probably won't be reading it again anytime soon, but it was a very valuable reading experience. I may even look into more of Thompson's books since I really did enjoy the style.

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erinwolf1997's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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bsonrisa's review against another edition

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dark funny tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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welllovedspines's review against another edition

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adventurous dark funny mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

TL;DR: A fever dream of a novel that would satisfy any fans of the movie it is based on. Newcomers to the story could also enjoy it if they appreciate something zany and mildly hallucinogenic. As the author said, "Buy the ticket. Take the ride."
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REVIEW:

First off, major trigger warning for drug use. There are also other trigger warnings for this book, so please check them before diving in.

I saw the movie that was based on this book ages ago and really enjoyed it's dark, wacky nature and was always interested in reading the book. I finally got around to it and was actually that much more blown away by the movie's faithful adaptation. I think having the prior experience of watching the movie also helped me visualize the plot and it made the book even more atmospheric.

Without getting into too many details, this book is essentially a journalist's road trip through Vegas to cover a motorcycle race, but the trip is fueled primarily by the assortment of drugs that he and his lawyer companion bring along.

The writing style and intensity surrounding the plot might not be for everyone. Reading this really did feel like some kind of acid trip (or what I would imagine one to be since I'm not a partaker). I enjoyed how bizarre it all was and how the writing made me feel like I was right there with the characters. I'm also a fan of Ralph Stedman's art, so his illustrations throughout the book were fun as well!

However, the book did start to wane for me a little bit at the end, which actually happens with the movie for me too. I really enjoyed this and would like to read more from Thompson. I'd say that if you have seen and like the movie then it's worth giving this a read. If you haven't seen the movie or haven't heard of it, definitely look up a blurb and the trigger warnings to see if it might be up your alley!

Final verdict: Utterly bizarre. 4 stars. Would take the ride again.

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paulines_reading_journal's review

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adventurous dark funny fast-paced

3.75

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