This is truly a timeless masterpiece by author Hubert Selby Jr. In fact thats one of the many depressing things about this book is the fact that though it was written in the late 70s, people have not wised up any in the 20 plus years since. The book isnt so much about drug abuse as it is about people striving to make a dream come true and in effect killing any chance they may have had to obtain it.
The story follows widow, Sara Goldfarb, her son Harry and his 2 friends. Saras dream to be on television turns into more of a nightmare after she begins taking diet pills. Harry, Marion, & Tyrones dream is pretty simple- to score some uncut heroin in order to resale it and live off the money. Their plans too go awry when winter comes and their arent enough drugs to go around.
Some people may not want to read such a devastatingly dark novel but the beauty of it is how real it is. Selby makes you care for characters you shouldnt who put themselves in bad situations that you can see coming, if only they could. Honestly, I cant praise this book enough.
