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ryan_lieske's review against another edition
4.0
Nersesian is most certainly an acquired taste, but if you can swallow it, it's time well spent. He's a more vulgar Salinger, a more confessional Palahniuk. His mind is definitely mired in the gutters of old grindhouse Times Square, and occasionally he does become a bit indulgent, especially where sex is concerned. But his characters always ring true, and he certainly knows how to go for the heart. And when even the most despicable and pathetic characters are allowed to reveal their inner souls, we can always see a bit of ourselves in them. And this is, ultimately, Nersesian's strong suit as a writer. You won't like some of the people who populate his books (or, at least, you won't ADMIT you like them) but they're never treated as ciphers or cliches.
I wasn't moved as much by this book as I was by his brilliant debut, "The Fuck-Up," but I still found myself hoping all would end well, even though I knew that was impossible. Perhaps that is the heart of true tragedy. And if such is the case, then Nersesian succeeded.
This novel is profane, vile, repugnant, and also heartbreaking and wistful. It gets a bit tripped up by its own plotting at times, but overall it's a solid read. It's REAL. And that counts for a lot with me.
I wasn't moved as much by this book as I was by his brilliant debut, "The Fuck-Up," but I still found myself hoping all would end well, even though I knew that was impossible. Perhaps that is the heart of true tragedy. And if such is the case, then Nersesian succeeded.
This novel is profane, vile, repugnant, and also heartbreaking and wistful. It gets a bit tripped up by its own plotting at times, but overall it's a solid read. It's REAL. And that counts for a lot with me.
leucocrystal's review
2.0
The best I can say is that I did feel compelled to finish it. I'd give it an extra half star if I could, as I wouldn't call it bad, just rather shallow (compared to what it could potentially have been).
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