Reviews

The Demon by Hubert Selby Jr.

anyahellen's review

dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

fureksu's review

dark tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

veelaughtland's review

challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Murder, Vomit, Cursing, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Injury/Injury detail, Misogyny, Suicide, Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, and Violence

Moderate: Physical abuse and Alcohol

Minor: Pregnancy

thejuliamary's review

dark slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

jaiminh0's review

2.0

This started out as awful and cringeworthy. Do we really need stories about tortured men, the simplicity of the male gaze and how the entire world is framed as waiting to be ‘conquered’ and objectified by them? It did get better though; some of the language of internal monologue is interesting, as is the development of something that mirrors manic depression, albeit in extreme form.

Would I read it again? Unlikely. Last Exit to Brooklyn was a far more enjoyable, interesting read (from what I remember - it’s been around 15 years). This falls flat as none of the characters feel well fleshed out aside from Harry. It reminds me of both The Bonfire of the Vanities and the film Falling Down. Both of which seem a bit outdated in this day and age.

dannewton's review

4.0

The only book worth a damn by Selby Jr? Seems like it.

pagesandpints's review

4.0

By far my favorite Hubert Selby Jr. book. His techniques with using language to heighten the reader's emotional experience worked extremely well in the novel. This is like the hardcore version of Death of a Salesman: not for the faint of heart.