by The Great White Gypsy

I’ve been meaning to get into Bret Easton Ellis’ work for a long time now. Actually, since I saw American Psycho for the first time. But for some reason, his name never entered my head whilst browsing my local Borders. That finally changed last week, and I picked up a copy of his first novel, Less Than Zero.

The story takes place in the mid ‘80’s, and is very similar to most of his other novels: Clay, a rich kid who grew up in LA, comes home from college in New Hampshire for Christmas break. He gets back into the swing of things pretty quickly with his friends, his dealers, and his on-again-off-again girlfriend. But amidst the parties, drugs, and superficial relationships, his fresh eyes begin to show him a world he no longer wants any part of, but doesn’t have the energy to get out of.

Knowing Ellis’ subject matter from multiple film adaptations, I went into this book thinking he was a one-trick pony. I wasn’t wrong. However, I hesitate to say that it’s a bad thing. His style is fluid and succinct, never boring the reader or overindulging in his descriptions of high society. The novel is laid out exactly like the main character experiences it: no chapters, no lingering story lines. Just a series of snapshot scenes at expensive restaurants, trendy clubs, and sparsely furnished apartments (apparently, rich kids in the ‘80’s spent thousands of dollars on stereos and blow, but slept on bare mattresses).

One of the most interesting parts of this book is the dialog. Not because it’s witty, or necessarily relatable. Nor is it one of those, “It’s what they’re not saying that’s powerful”. In a way, the conversations make you relate to Clay even more, because it quickly becomes apparent that these kids are saying nothing. Even when they’re trying to be serious, or deep. They’re not.

The dialog, coupled with Clay’s journal-entry narration and vague memories, make reading this book like fighting Lithium. At first it’s intriguing, comfortable, and lethargically accessible. But as you follow Clay down the rabbit hole, the fucked-up depravity you’re forced to experience with disconnected nonchalance becomes even more disturbing, and you find yourself begging for a cup of coffee or a stomach pump just so you can know the difference between right and wrong.

As behind as I am with Ellis’ library, it’s ironic that his next novel (out June 5) is Imperial Bedrooms, a sequel to Less Than Zero. I can’t imagine it’ll have the same effect, especially these days. But if I can make it through The Rules of Attraction, I’ll give it a shot.

Final Grade: A-

Film Adaptation:

Directed by: Marek Kanievska
Starring: Andrew McCarthy, Robert Downey Jr., Jami Gertz, James Spader

Also by Bret Easton Ellis:

American Psycho
The Rules of Attraction
The Informers
Glamorama
Lunar Park
Imperial Bedrooms

Suggested Readings:

Mysteries of Pittsburgh by Michael Chabon

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