'Last Exit to Brooklyn' is a raw and gritty exploration of life in the underbelly of 1950s Brooklyn. Selby masterfully weaves together the stories of marginalized characters, from struggling dockworkers to troubled women, showcasing their desperate dreams and harsh realities. Each narrative reveals a haunting struggle for identity and survival amidst societal decay. With unflinching honesty, the novel captures the desperation and disillusionment of post-war urban America. Will these characters find redemption in a world that seems determined to crush them?
By Hubert Selby
Published: 1988
""The world is like a broken sidewalk, full of cracks and pitfalls, but it’s ours to walk upon, to stumble and rise again, finding beauty in the shattered pieces.""
The decadence and violence of the urban streets is graphically portrayed in this novel set in a post-WWII Brooklyn slum.
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“"The world is like a broken sidewalk, full of cracks and pitfalls, but it’s ours to walk upon, to stumble and rise again, finding beauty in the shattered pieces."”
Last Exit to Brooklyn
By Hubert Selby
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Hubert Selby Jr. (1928-2004) was an American author renowned for his unflinching portrayal of life on the fringes of society. His notable works include 'Last Exit to Brooklyn,' 'Requiem for a Dream,' and 'The Room,' each revealing the struggles of addiction, mental illness, and despair. Selby's writing style is characterized by a raw, visceral prose that often blurs the line between reality and fiction, emphasizing the emotional turmoil of his characters. His influence is evident in both literature and film, making him a pivotal figure in 20th-century American literature.
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