A review by lucazani11
Requiem for a Dream by Hubert Selby Jr.

4.0

The book is a dark and intense portrayal of addiction and its effects on individuals and their relationships. It follows the downward spirals of four characters - Harry Goldfarb, his girlfriend Marion, his mother Sara, and his best friend Tyrone - as they struggle with drug addiction and various forms of escapism. Through vivid and often disturbing language, the book portrays the destructive consequences of addiction and the devastating impact it can have on one's life. The story is a powerful commentary on the dangers of drugs and the hopelessness that often accompanies addiction.

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"Requiem for a Dream" is a novel written by Hubert Selby Jr., first published in 1978. The novel tells the story of four characters and their respective addictions to drugs, and the devastating consequences that result from their attempts to fulfill their desires.

One of the strengths of the novel is its vivid and intense portrayal of addiction. Selby's writing style is raw and unflinching, and he does not shy away from the physical and emotional toll that addiction takes on the characters. The novel is a powerful and disturbing depiction of the cycle of addiction, from the initial rush of pleasure to the desperation and despair that follows.

Another strength of the novel is its use of multiple narrators. The novel is divided into four sections, each narrated by one of the main characters. This allows Selby to explore the characters' inner thoughts and motivations in depth, and to show how their individual experiences of addiction intersect and influence each other. The use of multiple narrators also creates a sense of fragmentation and disorientation that mirrors the characters' own experiences.

Selby's writing style is distinctive and unconventional, using non-standard grammar and sentence structures to create a sense of urgency and immediacy. This can be challenging for some readers, but it also adds to the novel's impact, creating a sense of immersion and intensity that draws the reader into the characters' world.

In conclusion, "Requiem for a Dream" is a powerful and disturbing novel that offers a raw and unflinching portrayal of addiction. Selby's unconventional writing style and use of multiple narrators add to the novel's impact, creating a sense of urgency and intensity that draws the reader into the characters' experiences. While it is not an easy read, it is an important and insightful work that continues to resonate with readers today.