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novelesque_life's review against another edition
4.0
4 STARS
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).
Ralph and Mona are down and out movie extras waiting for their big break into Hollywood. As Ralph's accent holds him back he becomes desperate to change his luck. During a court trial of a friend Mona is held for contempt and leads herself and Ralph into Hollywood society. Ralph finds himself being led into a world that will test his morals and desperation.
I immensely enjoyed my first novel by Horace McCoy. McCoy's writing reminds me of Cormac McCarthy and James M. Cain's as it is straight to the point and gritty. We always get the shiny happily ever after stories of the golden age of Hollywood. In "I Should Have Stayed Home" it further opened my eyes to those who do not make as stars. I was grabbed from the opening scene of a court trial to the end of the novel. It was one of my read till I finish novels. I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a gripping story.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).
Ralph and Mona are down and out movie extras waiting for their big break into Hollywood. As Ralph's accent holds him back he becomes desperate to change his luck. During a court trial of a friend Mona is held for contempt and leads herself and Ralph into Hollywood society. Ralph finds himself being led into a world that will test his morals and desperation.
I immensely enjoyed my first novel by Horace McCoy. McCoy's writing reminds me of Cormac McCarthy and James M. Cain's as it is straight to the point and gritty. We always get the shiny happily ever after stories of the golden age of Hollywood. In "I Should Have Stayed Home" it further opened my eyes to those who do not make as stars. I was grabbed from the opening scene of a court trial to the end of the novel. It was one of my read till I finish novels. I recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a gripping story.
agmaynard's review
3.0
Interesting slice of life in late 30’s Hollywood, slang-filled and with prevailing attitudes. Quick, dialogue-heavy. Added to the LFL run!
myxomycetes's review
4.0
This reminded me of a pulpier version of Nathaniel West's Day of the Locust. For much of the book I expected the narrator to wind up gunned down in a swimming pool by the end. Was surprised that he wasn't. It's a rough read, grim and cynical, but if you look you'll find some diamonds in it. Well worth it.
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