Bret Easton Ellis is an American author and screenwriter known for provocative works of fiction like his nihilistic debut novel Less Than Zero (1985). He’s recognized for his dark, satirical writing style and potent critiques of contemporary culture and social mores. American Psycho is both his most famous and most controversial novel. In 2019, he published his first nonfiction book, White, taking on the failings of left liberalism.
Bret Easton Ellis Books
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American Psycho
Bret Easton Ellis
A Violent Satire on Modern Capitalism and Corporate Greed
4.3 (72 ratings)
Listen to the Intro00:00What's American Psycho about?
American Psycho (1991) is a controversial cult novel that uses graphic violence to satirize modern capitalism and consumer culture. It follows the life of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy and handsome investment banker living in Manhattan in the 1980s. Beneath his polished exterior lies a psychopathic killer who preys on his victims without remorse. Bateman’s exploits quickly grow more and more extreme, and his mask of sanity starts to slip.
Who should read American Psycho?
- Fans of the the 2000 movie starring Christian Bale
- Readers who enjoy Don DeLillo, Thomas Pynchon, and William S. Burroughs
- Anyone who enjoys dark humor
What's Less Than Zero about?
Less Than Zero is a novel by Bret Easton Ellis that delves into the dark and nihilistic world of wealthy Los Angeles teenagers. Through the eyes of the protagonist, Clay, the book explores themes of drug abuse, apathy, and the emptiness of a materialistic society. It offers a chilling portrayal of a generation lost in a world devoid of genuine connections and meaning.
Who should read Less Than Zero?
Readers who enjoy dark and gritty narratives
Individuals interested in exploring the excesses and emptiness of 1980s Los Angeles
Those who appreciate introspective and morally ambiguous characters
