Leaving Las Vegas by John O'Brien
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Book Reviews of Leaving Las Vegas
Book Review: glitter underworld
Summary: 4 Stars
This book works on the reader like a strong drug. O'Brien pulls you right into the sad, seamy worlds of Sera and Ben, and the dirty glitz that is Las Vegas. He is particularly good at evoking the inner world of Sera, who is the more compelling of the two characters. At times, O'Brien's word choices and phrasings are awkward, and ultimately Sera (the hooker with the heart of gold) and Ben (the alcoholic on the lost weekend) are stereotypes. But in the end, these weaknesses are insignificant. Despite its sparkle and easy money,Vegas is a mirage in the desert,and a metaphor for barren and wasted lives. O'Brien's suicide(shortly after his book was published) only serves to drive that point home.Book Review: Leaving this Earth
Summary: 4 Stars
Man, John Obrien could write. This short novel packs a wallop like few others. The depth to which Ben sinks is nothing short of amazing. And the style of Obrien's writing reminds me almost of some classic literature. I can't remember the term I learned back in 11th grade (referring to Crane, Hemingway, Steinbeck), but it was, "Brevity" of something. this bleak, yet engossing novel, speeds along to its ugly, ugly climax. I can't explain exactly what drew me into this book, but its dark grip never seemed to let go...and I don't think it will for quite a while.Book Review: The book overcomes its shortcomings
Summary: 3 Stars
John O'Brien wasn't a strong writer, and he frequently loses control of this narrative. For example, he does strange things like assumes the point of view of a refrigerator ... but doesn't do anything with that. He's not really in control of his language, either -- grabbing words that seem out of context, e.g., "redolent of his prescience" instead of a straightforward "suggestive of his foresight," which would've fit better with his own rhetorical choices earlier in the novel. Some of the sex scenes with Sera also seem to betray a sexual aggression on the part of the narrator, which is weirdly blind for this narrator considering just how omniscient this narrator is in other places ... Nonetheless, these flaws may make the story easier to take. A perfect execution of this story may have been too dark. Instead, the flaws humanize the story (which is powerful) and the characters and make it a compelling read.Book Review: Elizabeth Shue - the only reason to see the movie -
Summary: 1 Stars
Love story? Hardly. This is a horrible, seedy novel glamorizing prostitution and alcoholism. Gosh, aren't protitutes and alcoholics so wonderful and clever? Graphic, grotesque sex, language, violence and totally unbelievable characters make it a sad, depressing story with no redeeming qualities for the characters or the novel. Will you be depressed after reading it - yes. Does that make it romantic or wonderful or even worth reading? No.
I enjoyed the movie which was saved by the good looks and acting of Elizabeth Shue - at least in the movie one feels a smidgeon of sympathy for the characters as unrealistic as they are - sorry but alcoholics on the verge of death don't look like Cage. Only Hollywood could glamorize such tripe.
One has to wonder about the author's state of mind who would write such trashy crap - and then again it's really no wonder to hear what ultimately became of him.