American Psycho

by Bret Easton Ellis
American Psycho cover
Good Books rating 2.88
Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Crime
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 7589
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9781447277712
  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Published: 2014-12-15
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Bret Easton Ellis's American Psycho is a multi-million-copy bestseller that has sparked countless debates since its publication. The novel is a violent and outrageous black comedy that delves into the darkest aspects of human nature, presented with a chillingly detached narrative voice. Patrick Bateman, the protagonist, embodies the excesses and superficiality of the 1980s, masking his psychopathic tendencies behind a facade of wealth and success./n/nWith an introduction by Irvine Welsh, the author of Trainspotting, American Psycho is part of the Picador Collection, which showcases the best of modern literature. The novel's shocking content and exploration of themes like consumerism, identity, and moral decay have cemented its status as a modern classic, despite its controversial nature.

Reviews
Dark Longbox · 2024-11-28
masterpiece 4.50

The novel's dual readings are equally disturbing, whether Bateman is a murderous psychopath or just disconnected from reality. The writing is brilliant in its depiction of psychosis.

The reviewer finds the novel's dual interpretations equally disturbing, whether Bateman is a psychopath or just disconnected from reality. They praise Ellis's writing for its ability to mirror the narrator's psychosis, making the reading experience unsettling yet captivating. The reviewer appreciates the novel's depth and complexity, which keeps the reader engaged throughout. They also note the book's shocking violence, which serves to underscore its themes. The reviewer finds the book to be a masterpiece of disturbing literature.

Quick quotes

    The beauty of Ellis's writing is that both readings are equally disturbing.

    Either Bateman is a murderous psychopath, or he's so disconnected from reality.

    The novel's depth and complexity keep the reader engaged throughout.

Frappe and Fiction · 2024-03-23
disturbing 4.00

The book is a biting satire of Wall Street culture, filled with brand name obsessions and shocking violence. It's a brutal critique of consumerism and misogyny.

This review highlights how American Psycho is an over-the-top satire that doesn't hold back in its portrayal of Wall Street excess. The reviewer appreciates the novel's unflinching look at consumerism and misogyny, making it a powerful critique of the era's cultural norms. They also note the book's shocking violence, which serves to underscore its themes. The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling and disturbing read, one that leaves a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

    An over-the-top satire on Wall Street culture, rife with brand name obsessions, spectacular misogyny and, of course, murder.

    The novel's unflinching look at consumerism and misogyny makes it a powerful critique of the era's cultural norms.

    American Psycho is a compelling and disturbing read, one that leaves a lasting impression.

Muse With Me Blog · 2023-06-13
disturbing 2.00

The book lacks suspense and tension, focusing mainly on the protagonist's brutal actions. The repetitive nature of the violence can make it difficult to engage with.

This reviewer found the book to be quite challenging due to its lack of suspense and repetitive violence. The focus on Patrick Bateman's brutal actions without much buildup or stakes made it hard to stay invested. However, they acknowledge that the book's unflinching portrayal of misogyny and consumerism is a deliberate choice by the author. The writing style, while detailed, can feel monotonous, and the lack of character development or emotional depth leaves much to be desired.

Quick quotes

    There is no suspense, no tension, and no stakes.

    It is just Patrick Bateman getting his kicks brutalizing a new victim, having his nasty little moments of indulgence.

    The novel is more about the culture of excess and the dehumanization of people than it is about a psychopath.

A Paper Arrow · 2020-11-03
boring 1.00

The book is boring and tedious, with excessive detail that slows down the narrative. The reviewer found it difficult to get through.

The reviewer found American Psycho to be one of the most boring books they have ever read. They criticize the excessive detail and slow pacing, which they feel slows down the narrative and makes the book tedious to read. The reviewer found the book difficult to get through, despite its shocking content. They also note that the book's length and repetitive descriptions make it a challenging read. The reviewer finds the book to be a disappointing and tedious experience.

Quick quotes

    Perhaps one of the most boring books I have ever read.

    Patrick goes into every situation literally explaining what every single person in the room is wearing.

    The book was difficult to get through at times.

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