Reviews

The Chrysanthemum Palace by Bruce Wagner

rocketiza's review against another edition

3.0

I love the way Bruce Wagner writes but never really connected with his characters or the story in this novel. The vapid, desperate to be the hero or at least found interesting narrator didn't really have anything redeemable to find to like about him, or the charm that lets the unrepentant get away with their shenanigans.

poetkatiev's review

4.0

To read my review from Time Out New York, please click on this link:

[http://66.111.110.102/newyork/DetailsAr.do?file=books/493/493.books.chrysanthemum.html]

blevins's review against another edition

4.0

I'm a fan of Wagner's Hollywood set tales of misfits, outcasts, castoffs, wannabees, no hopers, insiders, and other assorted California types. This is no different. Get out your dictionary to look words up as you read this, ha. I'd like to see Wagner step out of his element soon and try something kind of different.

murakamiangel's review

dark emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

hollywood tragedy writes itself
the power of parental units

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcoholism and Addiction

charliemudd's review

5.0

I definitely shouldn't have loved this book as much as I did -- I read it in 3 or 4 sittings. The writing seemed over-fancy at first, like Wagner was trying too hard; but after 10 or 20 pages I relaxed, gave into it, and really enjoyed his style. The story crashed along and I couldn't wait to see what happened next -- it also had just enough cameos and references to actual people to make it feel like it really happened. Main character is Bertie, son of Starwatch (aka Star Trek) creator, who has two other friends both kids of even famouser parents -- Clea, daughter of a Marilyn Monroe character and Thad, son of asshole Pulitzer prize dad (maybe Mailer crossed with Faulkner). Thad is a famous actor and frustrated writer, Clea is a semi-famous actor and frustrated addict, and they end up in a tragic relationship.

gotterdammerung's review

3.0

The typical Wagner novel, but with the most heart compared to the savage Dead Stars and the clumsy Still Holding. The tragic structure makes The Chrysanthemum Palace more plot centric than the ambitious Dead Stars and more coherent than Still Holding. The best book of Wagner to recommend to newcomers.