Jump to content

Nathanael West


frankie

Recommended Posts

Nathanael West's novel The Day of the Locust has come up a number of times during my literature courses at uni. I'm pretty sure I've had to read a chapter or two of the novel... Then a few years ago I watched a movie called Lonely Hearts Killers, which somehow led me to the novel Miss Lonelyhearts. The movie is not based on that book, but it's a similar concept about personal ads. I haven't managed to read the book yet, but it interests me, as does TDotL. 

 

Has anyone read any novels by Nathanael West? Any thoughts on them? I wikied the author and found out that West unfortunately died at an early age, he was killed in a car crash, and so there are only 4 novels by him. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I read The Day of the Locust back in 2008 (according to good ol' Goodreads :)). I don't remember a great deal about it, although some bits have stayed with me. I think it was a little weird. I rated it three stars and didn't keep the book, although I would consider reading Miss Lonelyhearts in the future.

 

Not much help, am I? :D

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I read The Day of the Locust back in 2008 (according to good ol' Goodreads :)). I don't remember a great deal about it, although some bits have stayed with me. I think it was a little weird. I rated it three stars and didn't keep the book, although I would consider reading Miss Lonelyhearts in the future.

 

Not much help, am I? :D

 

Well you're the first one to comment, and at least you've read one of his books! It was a little weird, you say? I wonder in what respect. But I don't suppose you remember ...? :D I find the Hollywood aspect of the novel rather appealing. It kind of reminds me of They Shoot Horses, Don't They?, for some reason. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes, I've read They Shoot Horses, Don't They? and would agree that it's a bit similar to The Day of the Locust. :)

 

I knew you'd read it :) I just don't remember why... Is it on one/some of the reading lists? Good to hear you'd agree it's somewhat similar, because I do want it to be similar :) 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think TSHDT? is on the Rory list. There's an episode called They Shoot Gilmores, Don't They? and it's the episode with the 24-hour dance marathon (similar to the book). It's one of my favourite episodes. :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think TSHDT? is on the Rory list. There's an episode called They Shoot Gilmores, Don't They? and it's the episode with the 24-hour dance marathon (similar to the book). It's one of my favourite episodes. :)

 

No, I meant that I wonder why you chose to read TDotL :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...