A review by derivative
American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis

dark 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

5.0

Disgusting and visceral and chilling and absolutely incredible. The way Ellis combines violence and horror with 3 page monologues about music or fashion is just so unique and fascinating. The way everything is described in such a flat manner makes it impossible to know when to close your eyes and look away. I had to stop reading at the end of so many chapters but I still picked it up again. It was horrible but in the way that horror should be. I couldnt really keep any of the characters straight besides Evelyn and Patrick but I suppose that is how it is for Patrick too.

Something I really love about this book rather than the movie is how it is shown that he really is mimicking his surroundings. I find it fascinating to read through the lens of autism. For example, In the movie, he seems a bit out of place and his phrases like "I have to return some videotapes" seem nonsensical. But here we see that this was a totally normal social cue and a script that many of his peers likely use as well. He is simply using a phrase to get him out of a situation. Everyone does it, why is he so strange for it?

And later my macabre joy sours and I'm weeping for myself, unable to find any solace in any of this, crying out, sobbing, "I just want to be loved." 
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