Players

by Don DeLillo
Players cover
Good Books rating 2.83
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 2363
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-13
  • ISBN: 9781509837854
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2016-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Pammy and Lyle Wynant appear to have the ideal life, but their relationship is marred by boredom and a sense of quiet desperation. Their interactions are superficial, and their sex life is more about obligation than pleasure. As 'players' indifferent to the violence around them, they navigate a world they've helped shape. Originally published in 1977, Don DeLillo's 'Players' is a fast-paced, socially critical drama known for its razor-sharp prose and deep thematic exploration. The novel delves into the psychological and social dynamics of its characters, revealing the emptiness behind their facade of perfection. The story is a stark portrayal of modern life, where violence and indifference coexist with apparent normalcy. DeLillo's signature style shines through in this gripping narrative that challenges readers to question the nature of relationships and societal norms.

Reviews
Reddit - DonDeLillo · 2025-10-13
immersive 3.00

The novel is immersive yet disorienting, with a plot that is best understood from external descriptions. The detailed observations and long lists create a unique reading experience.

Reddit users discuss 'Players' as a deeply immersive yet disorienting novel. The plot is best understood by reading the jacket copy, as the book itself can be confusing. The detailed observations and long lists contribute to a unique reading experience that keeps readers engaged despite the initial confusion. The novel's immersive quality makes it a memorable read, though it requires patience and attention to detail.

Quick quotes

    I was totally immersed, and in being so, completely out of the loop.

    The plot of players is most easily ascertained by reading the jacket copy.

    Long lists and observations so detailed as to be overwhelming.

Eugene Lim · Eugene Lim · 2008-03-30
bleak 2.00

The novel is seen as nihilistic, with characters that embody the emptiest aspects of humanity. The enjoyment derived from the book is minimal and somewhat bleak.

Eugene Lim finds 'Players' to be a deeply nihilistic novel, where the characters are portrayed as the worst and emptiest versions of people. The book's intentions are bleak, and while it offers some insights into contemporary society, the pleasure in reading it is scarce. The novel's dark tone and unlikable characters make it a challenging read, but it does provide a stark commentary on modern life.

Quick quotes

    it has very few pleasures, is nihilistic in its intentions.

    its characters are the worst of us, the emptiest and thus the worst.

    the enjoyment is limited and somewhat bleak.

The New York Times · 1997-03-16
compelling 3.50

The book is willful, with the author maintaining tight control over the characters and plot. It explores contemporary sensibilities through a witty deployment of terrorists.

The reviewer from The New York Times describes 'Players' as a willful book, where Don DeLillo exercises tight control over his characters and the narrative. The novel uses terrorists as a device to explore the hidden aspects of contemporary sensibility. The witty deployment of these elements makes the book a compelling read, offering a unique perspective on modern society.

Quick quotes

    "Players" is a willful book.

    The will belongs to Mr. DeLillo, who is too smart to let his characters get away with anything, or out of control.

    DeLillo wittily deploys terrorists to explore all the secret places in contemporary sensibility.

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