Last Exit to Brooklyn: A Novel

Hubert Selby

Dec 2011 · Open Road Media

About this ebook

DIVDIVDIV“An extraordinary achievement . . . a vision of hell so stern it cannot be chuckled or raged aside.”—The New York Times Book Review/divDIV
A classic of postwar American literature, Last Exit to Brooklyn created shock waves upon its release in 1964 with its raw, vibrant language and startling revelations of New York City’s underbelly. /divDIV /divDIVThe prostitutes, drunks, addicts, and johns of Selby’s Brooklyn are fierce and lonely creatures, desperately searching for a moment of transcendence amidst the decay and brutality of the waterfront—though none have any real hope of escape. /divDIV /divDIVLast Exit to Brooklyn offers a disturbing yet hauntingly sensitive portrayal of American life, and nearly fifty years after publication, it stands as a crucial and masterful work of modern fiction. /divDIV /divDIVThis ebook features an illustrated biography of Hubert Selby Jr. including rare photos from the author’s estate./div/div/div

Ratings and reviews

Brutally honest, graphic, violent; this book isn't afraid to give it to you straight. Last Exit to Brooklyn follows several individuals as they live their own personal and terrible versions of hell. It goes into crystal clear, traumatizing detail about how bad these hells can be, and obviously alludes to the Bible and other religion-inspired texts like Dante's Inferno. In my opinion, it is one of the most powerful books about morality (or lack of) and gender-roles ever written. It is written in a strange English, one which holds back on grammar and punctuation. This book isn't for people who can't get past the lack of grammar or the vivid, grotesque images; trust me, you'll hate it.

i spent most of my time trying to decipher what the characters were saying because the author chose to use phonetic spelling, instead of the english language that i've used all of my speaking and reading life.

I couldn't get past the first 15 pages. No commas, spelling errors, and a horrid choice of words... Goodnight Moon has better material.

About the author

DIVDIVHubert Selby Jr. (1928–2004) was a celebrated author of nine novels, including the classic bestseller Last Exit to Brooklyn. His other novels include Requiem for a Dream, The Room, and The Demon. Selby’s fiction, which was championed by writers such as William S. Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg, was noted for its gritty portrayal of addiction and urban despair, and has influenced generations of authors, artists, and musicians. Born and raised in Brooklyn, Selby died in Los Angeles in 2004./div/div