American Psycho

by Bret Easton Ellis
American Psycho cover
Good Books rating 3.69
Psychological Thriller
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 7589
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2026-01-28
  • 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 endless debate since its publication. The novel is a violent and outrageous black comedy that peels back the layers of human nature to reveal its darkest corners. With an introduction by Irvine Welsh, author of Trainspotting, this book is part of the Picador Collection, which showcases the best of modern literature./n/nPatrick Bateman, the protagonist, embodies the epitome of success: good looks, youth, charm, and a lucrative job on Wall Street. However, beneath this perfect facade lies a psychopath addicted to his superficial life. The novel pulls readers into a nightmarish underworld where the American Dream turns into a grotesque reality. Ellis's provocative writing style and unflinching portrayal of violence make this a novel that is as disturbing as it is compelling.

Reviews
Page Chewing · 2025-01-24
rewarding 4.25

The book is difficult to get through due to its graphic content, but it's ultimately a rewarding read. The ending makes the struggle worthwhile.

The reviewer found the book challenging due to its graphic and disturbing content, but they believe the effort to finish it is worth it. They appreciate the author's ability to create such a vivid and unsettling narrative, which ultimately leaves a lasting impact. The book's difficulty is part of its appeal, making it a unique and memorable experience for those who persevere.

Quick quotes

    Overall I loved this book, but I only loved it after turning that last page.

    The book was difficult to get through at times, but when you finish it, it's rewarding.

    The author's ability to create such a vivid and unsettling narrative is impressive.

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.

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