Vernon Subutex 1

Vernon Subutex 1 cover
Good Books rating 4.08
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  • ID: 9688
  • Added: 2026-01-01
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Los Angeles Review of Books · Lauren Elkin · 2020-01-21
heartfelt 4.00

The novel is a poignant and humorous look at the last hurrahs of a middle-aged man. It is a heartfelt exploration of modern life and the struggles of growing older.

The reviewer appreciates the novel's poignant and humorous portrayal of a middle-aged man's final moments of glory. They highlight the book's heartfelt exploration of modern life, with a focus on the struggles and triumphs of growing older. The reviewer also notes the novel's unique and engaging narrative, which makes it a standout piece of literature. They praise the book for its complex and nuanced characters, which add depth and richness to the story.


Quick quotes

    This is the first volume of a trilogy about the last hurrahs of a lovable, unremarkable — except for just one thing — middle-aged man named Vernon Subutex.

    The novel is a poignant and humorous look at the struggles and triumphs of growing older.

    It is a heartfelt exploration of modern life, with a focus on the complexities and nuances of contemporary society.

The Guardian · Stephanie Merritt · 2018-05-02
brilliant 4.50

The novel is a sharp critique of modern society, particularly in France, with a dynamic translation that captures the essence of the original. It is a bold and provocative exploration of contemporary issues.

The reviewer praises the novel for its fearless and dynamic translation, which brings out the raw and provocative nature of the original text. They highlight how the book skewers modern society, especially in France, with a focus on the morass of contemporary issues. The reviewer also notes the novel's bold and sophisticated style, which makes it a standout piece of literature.


Quick quotes

    A foul-mouthed skewering of the morass that is modern society, and France in particular.

    The book is translated by Frank Wynne with such dynamism and verve.

    It is a bold and sophisticated picaresque that is about France and also about all of us.

Tony's Reading List · Tony · 2018-04-05
intriguing 3.75

The novel starts with the hallmarks of a thriller but quickly diverges, offering a unique and engaging narrative. It is a complex and intriguing exploration of contemporary life.

The reviewer notes that the novel initially seems like a thriller, with the first few chapters pointing in that direction. However, they appreciate how the story diverges from typical thriller tropes, offering a more nuanced and complex narrative. They highlight the novel's exploration of contemporary life, with a focus on the characters and their interactions, which makes it a compelling read.


Quick quotes

    Despente's novel has all the hallmarks of a thriller, and the first couple of chapters certainly point in that direction.

    However, it doesn't follow the typical thriller trajectory, offering a more unique and engaging narrative.

    The novel is a complex and intriguing exploration of contemporary life.