The novel offers a scathing critique of New York's social and economic disparities, using vivid and often unflattering portrayals of its characters. It captures the essence of the 1980s with a sharp and critical eye, highlighting the moral decay and hypocrisy of the era.
This review highlights how the novel effectively portrays the stark contrasts and moral decay within 1980s New York. The reviewer appreciates the vivid and often unflattering characterizations, which serve to underscore the social and economic disparities of the time. The novel's critique of the era's moral decay and hypocrisy is particularly noteworthy, offering a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the period. However, the reviewer also notes that the book's length and detail can sometimes feel overwhelming, but the depth of its social commentary makes it a worthwhile read.
Quick quotes
The aim of Wolfe's novel is to use the events surrounding McCoy's downfall to show us the institutional underbelly of New York – a corrupt, cynical and broken system.
The novel captures the essence of the 1980s with a sharp and critical eye, highlighting the moral decay and hypocrisy of the era.
The vivid and often unflattering portrayals of its characters serve to underscore the social and economic disparities of the time.