Requiem For a Dream

by Hubert Selby Jr.
Requiem For a Dream cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Drama
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  • ID: 7881
  • Added: 2025-12-18
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780141195667
  • Publisher: Penguin Classics
  • Published: 2012-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Requiem for a Dream follows the intertwined lives of Harry, Marion, Tyrone, and Sara as they succumb to the grip of addiction. Each character is driven by their own desires and demons, leading them down a path of self-destruction. The novel explores the devastating consequences of addiction on both the individuals and their relationships, painting a bleak yet compelling portrait of the human condition. /n/nThe story is a powerful and unflinching examination of the ways in which addiction can consume and destroy lives. It delves into the psychological and emotional turmoil of its characters, highlighting the desperation and hopelessness that often accompany substance abuse. Through its raw and intense narrative, Requiem for a Dream serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of addiction and the importance of seeking help and support.

Reviews
The Sober Curator · 2025-10-31
brutal 4.20

The book is raw, painful, and brutally honest, making it a powerful read. It's not an easy read, but its honesty is what makes it so impactful.

This novel is a tough read, but its raw and unflinching portrayal of addiction makes it a powerful and important book. The brutally honest depiction of the characters' struggles and the consequences of their actions is both painful and eye-opening. It's a book that doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of addiction, making it a challenging but necessary read. The honesty and rawness of the narrative are what make it so impactful, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Quick quotes

    It's not an easy read; it's raw, painful and brutally honest — but that's what makes it powerful.

    The book is all narrative and dialogue, with virtually no 'showing.'

    Hubert Selby Junior is possibly the darkest, most pessimistic, depressing author I've ever read, but he should take that as a compliment.

Christopher Adam · Christopher Adam · 2018-12-23
gripping 4.30

The scenes of psychosis are authentic and disturbing, with credible character voices. The book's depiction of addiction is both gripping and unsettling.

This book is a gripping exploration of addiction and its devastating effects. The scenes of psychosis are particularly authentic and disturbing, adding to the book's overall impact. The character voices are well-crafted and credible, making their struggles feel real and immediate. The book's unflinching portrayal of addiction is both powerful and unsettling, leaving a lasting impression on the reader. It's a book that doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of addiction, making it a challenging but necessary read.

Quick quotes

    The scenes of psychosis in his story seem authentic, gripping and disturbing.

    The voices of his characters are authentic and credible too.

    The book is a harrowing exploration of addiction and its devastating effects on the lives of its characters.

The Guardian · Xavier Aldana Reyes · 2012-08-12
harrowing 4.50

The novel is both convincing and terrifying in its depiction of how habits can destroy lives. The stream-of-consciousness style adds to its raw intensity.

This book is a harrowing read that delves deep into the destructive power of addiction. The stream-of-consciousness style, filled with street slang, makes the narrative feel immediate and visceral. It's a brutal but necessary exploration of how easily lives can unravel. The characters' voices are authentic and their descent into addiction is portrayed with stark realism. It's a book that stays with you long after you've turned the last page, leaving a lasting impression of its grim but powerful storytelling.

Quick quotes

    A novel that is utterly convincing and terrifying on the subject of how our habits can destroy us.

    Written in stream-of-consciousness street slang.

    It's a brutal but necessary exploration of how easily lives can unravel.

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