Leaving Las Vegas

By John O'Brien

Leaving Las Vegas, the first novel by John O'Brien, is a disturbing and emotionally wrenching story of a woman who embraces life and a man who rejects it, a powerful tale of hard luck and hard drinking and a relationship of tenderness and destruction. An avowed alcoholic, Ben drinks away his family, friends, and, finally, his job. With deliberate resolve, he burns the remnants of his life and heads for Las Vegas to end it all in the last great binge of his hopeless life. On the Strip, he picks up Sera, a prostitute, in what might have become another excess in his self-destructive jag. Instead, their chance meeting becomes a respite on the road to oblivion as they form a bond that is as mysterious as it is immutable. Leaving Las Vegas tells a powerful story of unconditional love between two disenfranchised souls who connect for a fleeting moment.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Grove Press
• Release date: Dec 1, 2007
• ISBN: 9780802197290

John O'Brien

John O'Brien is a well-known NEW YORKER cartoonist. For Clarion, he has illustrated DEAR OLD DONEGAL

Reviews for Leaving Las Vegas

[danielstj · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This novel details the decline, and fall, of a man. The narrator, largely based on O'Brien itself (it seems) is a sad, lonely, broken down man who goes to Nevada to drink himself to death. Alongside this is the story of a prostitute with a heart of gold and the experiences that they have together. I watched the movie a long time ago, and remember seeing a documentary based on it, and am convinced of the fact- that his father believes as well, that this was O'Brien's "suicide note." It seems largely autobiographical. Nevertheless, the novel wanders and meanders and there is a lot that I found is not necessary to the development of the plot. Nevertheless, I am glad I read it. It was an interesting experience.3.5 stars.

[amuskopf-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A punch in the gut...the good kind...if there is such a thing...

[ellevee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the most underappreciated books I have ever read. Spare prose, simple dialogue, honest characters, and one of the most authentic love stories ever written. There is a line on the last page that I will never forget. This is a tough read, but if you can see beauty in strange places, it is a worthwhile and rewarding experience.