An American Dream

by Norman Mailer
An American Dream cover
Good Books rating 3.33
Psychological Thriller
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  • ID: 10227
  • Added: 2026-01-17
  • Updated: 2026-01-17
  • Publisher: New York : Dial Press
  • Published: 1965-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

An American Dream plunges readers into a disturbing psychological landscape where a hard-drinking television figure, grappling with schizophrenic tendencies, commits a heinous act. The novel explores the darkest corners of the human psyche, offering a stark and unflinching look at the fragility of sanity and the consequences of unchecked impulses. /n/n Written with a raw and visceral style, the book delves into the protagonist's fractured mind, revealing the twisted logic and paranoia that drive his actions. It's a gripping and unsettling exploration of identity, power, and the American Dream gone horribly wrong.

Reviews
The Storygraph · 2026-01-17
ambitious 3.50

The writing is incredible, fluid, and bold, but the novel feels postural at times. It took a while to get over this.

The reviewer from The Storygraph highlights the incredible writing in 'An American Dream', describing it as fluid and bold. However, they note that the novel sometimes feels postural, which took a while to get over. Despite this, they appreciate the novel's ambitious reach and the way it pushes boundaries. The reviewer suggests that the novel's strength lies in its writing, even if the execution is not always perfect. They acknowledge that the novel might be challenging, but it is a powerful exploration of its themes.

Quick quotes

    It feels so postural, desperately so at times.

    The writing is incredible: fluid, bold, and reaching for something.

    It took me a couple hundred pages to get over this.

Medium · Ted Burke · 2026-01-17
dark 3.00

The novel is a meditation on violence and evil, not typically a beach read. It is a fully realized exploration of dark themes.

Ted Burke notes that 'An American Dream' is not your typical beach read. It's a deep meditation on violence and evil, which might not appeal to everyone. However, he appreciates the novel's fully realized exploration of these dark themes. Burke suggests that the novel's strength lies in its ability to delve into the complexities of human nature, even if it is a challenging read. He acknowledges that the novel might be difficult to digest, but it is a powerful exploration of the human psyche.

Quick quotes

    Mailer's meditation on violence and evil will not be everyone's idea of a good novel to read on the beach.

    An American Dream is a fully realized exploration of dark themes.

    The novel's strength lies in its ability to delve into the complexities of human nature.

Commentary Magazine · Richard Poirier · 2026-01-17
provocative 3.50

The novel deals with aspects of life seldom treated with candor in serious literature. It is a bold exploration of violence and evil.

Richard Poirier highlights that 'An American Dream' is not just a novel but a bold exploration of themes that are often shied away from in serious literature. He appreciates Mailer's candor in dealing with violence and evil, noting that the novel's impact lies in its unflinching portrayal of these aspects. Poirier suggests that the novel's strength is in its ability to provoke thought and discussion, even if it is not a comfortable read. He acknowledges that the novel might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it certainly leaves a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

    Of course An American Dream isn't good or bad simply because it deals with aspects of life seldom treated with candor in serious literature.

    Mailer's candor in dealing with violence and evil is both provocative and thought-provoking.

    The novel's impact lies in its unflinching portrayal of these aspects.

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