ashcookie32 's review for:

Requiem for a Dream by Hubert Selby Jr.
4.0
challenging dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

So many mixed emotions for this read.

Firstly, the unhinged and chaotic nature of the writing style made my eyes bleed. Minimal punctuation and lack of broken up dialogue was difficult to read. I understand that the author wanted us to feel the disjointed nature of addition through said style, but it was still a tough read.

Secondly, watching anyone (including fictional characters) plummet into the abyss caused by drug addiction is heartbreaking. This is a heavy and triggering read for anyone who has experienced that darkness first or even second hand.

Overall, I’m impressed that anyone can write about these circumstances. They’re taboo subjects, but unfortunately incredibly real for a lot of people in our world, country, state, city, neighborhood, and even our own homes. Bringing light to the ugliness of addiction is difficult but necessary.