Reviews

The Motel Life by Willy Vlautin, Nate Beaty

celtic67's review against another edition

4.0

This is a sparsely written book, by an author who was recommended to me. This is at times a depressing read but is one worth reading. The story is about 2 brothers who have a myriad of problems. The story centres round an incident in Jerry Lee's life and how it affects him, his brother and others who are in contact with them. At times depressing, funny and strangely uplifting. I'm glad I read this book.

didactylos's review against another edition

Subject matter, narrative style grated on me.

missmelia's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

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

2.75

esshgee's review against another edition

3.0

Quirky, but I quite enjoyed this as a light read.

newson66's review against another edition

3.0

Bleak, melancholic and quite beautiful.

mikewa14's review against another edition

4.0

Really enjoyed this gentle tale of two brothers - full review here

http://0651frombrighton.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/the-motel-life-willy-vlautin.html

asurges's review against another edition

4.0

Written by a former Reno-ite and set in Reno, this book about two alcoholic brothers who move from motel to motel should be more depressing than it is. It gives a deeper view of people in itinerant lives, and the dialogue is especially effective.

barrydillon23's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-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? Yes

4.0

mvancamp's review against another edition

3.0

I was intrigued by this book when I saw it because I recognized the author as a member of the alt-country group Richmond Fontaine. I feel unqualified to write a review given that I rarely read fiction but I was impressed with this book of two down and out brothers whose lives spiral even further out of control after one kills a teenager in a hit and run accident. My main criticism is that it is a bit slight and that the trope of one brother telling stories to comfort the other is used more as filler than as a significant part of the novel.

twilcox197805's review against another edition

4.0

Will remind some of "of mice and men". Solid novel that will leave you reeling a bit afterwards