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kcrouth's review against another edition
5.0
The Last Picture Show is a story about coming of age, of growing old, and of the end of an era. It is set in a tiny, fading Texas town, with a bit of "The Graduate" and "Deliverance" mixed in. This brilliantly told story showcases that special flavor of disfunction that is probably unique to mid-20th century small rural towns in the US. The characters are rich and realistic, and black and white issues are thoroughly blurred into a shade of gray that represents the dull life of the town (although there is NEVER a dull moment!). McMurtry's writing often reminded me of Steinbeck with the vivid storytelling and rich writing style. A great story, and a great film. Looking forward to reading the sequel by McMurtry - Texasville, also a film.
vitaminbillwebb's review against another edition
dark
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
sgenheden's review against another edition
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
smtvash's review against another edition
5.0
Larry McMurty's The Last Picture Show is a harsh, matter-of-fact, almost bleak story of a several characters trapped in all sorts of ways in a small northern town of Texas.
The town hasn't survived well and for the people living in it, it might as well be a slow death.
Try as they might, they can't seem to make choices that will benefit them and the little that does make them feel good is followed by consequences due to the social contracts prevalent in the town.
My favorite thing about it is the agnostic prose, almost as if being told in contempt or lament. There are some beautiful details in the book that show up that add color, personality, and an understanding to the way these characters live. It adds a layer of tragedy to the story that is ends up being profound.
The novel is semi-autobiographical, so we can at least infer that Larry McMurtry made his peace with his youth.
When the one bit of the outside world went away, the town theater, well, as people say: end of an era. And that bittersweet (more bitter) experience resonates.
The town hasn't survived well and for the people living in it, it might as well be a slow death.
Try as they might, they can't seem to make choices that will benefit them and the little that does make them feel good is followed by consequences due to the social contracts prevalent in the town.
My favorite thing about it is the agnostic prose, almost as if being told in contempt or lament. There are some beautiful details in the book that show up that add color, personality, and an understanding to the way these characters live. It adds a layer of tragedy to the story that is ends up being profound.
The novel is semi-autobiographical, so we can at least infer that Larry McMurtry made his peace with his youth.
When the one bit of the outside world went away, the town theater, well, as people say: end of an era. And that bittersweet (more bitter) experience resonates.
mwodonnell's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
oreillkate's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
magazinegumwrap39's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.25
beefmaster's review against another edition
1.0
American Pie the movie but for sad Boomers. If I ever have to read another word of these boring teens I’ll kill myself. What the fuck is this shit? Just teens hopping from one bed to another but written like a children’s book report. It’d be one thing if it was written beautifully but it’s artless and boring. Hated it.