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A review by jaiminh0
The Demon by Hubert Selby Jr.
2.0
This started out as awful and cringeworthy. Do we really need stories about tortured men, the simplicity of the male gaze and how the entire world is framed as waiting to be ‘conquered’ and objectified by them? It did get better though; some of the language of internal monologue is interesting, as is the development of something that mirrors manic depression, albeit in extreme form.
Would I read it again? Unlikely. Last Exit to Brooklyn was a far more enjoyable, interesting read (from what I remember - it’s been around 15 years). This falls flat as none of the characters feel well fleshed out aside from Harry. It reminds me of both The Bonfire of the Vanities and the film Falling Down. Both of which seem a bit outdated in this day and age.
Would I read it again? Unlikely. Last Exit to Brooklyn was a far more enjoyable, interesting read (from what I remember - it’s been around 15 years). This falls flat as none of the characters feel well fleshed out aside from Harry. It reminds me of both The Bonfire of the Vanities and the film Falling Down. Both of which seem a bit outdated in this day and age.