Ebook213 pages3 hours
Leaving Las Vegas
By John O'Brien
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
4/5
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About this ebook
This “brutal and unflinching” novel of fleeting love in Sin City inspired the film starring Nicholas Cage and Elizabeth Shue (Jay McInerney, author of Bright Lights, Big City).
John O’Brien’s debut novel, Leaving Las Vegas, is an emotionally wrenching story of a woman who embraces life and a man who rejects it; a powerful tale of hard luck, 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.
John O’Brien’s debut novel, Leaving Las Vegas, is an emotionally wrenching story of a woman who embraces life and a man who rejects it; a powerful tale of hard luck, 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.
Author
John O'Brien
John O'Brien is a well-known NEW YORKER cartoonist. For Clarion, he has illustrated DEAR OLD DONEGAL
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Reviews for Leaving Las Vegas
Rating: 3.9724769651376146 out of 5 stars
4/5
109 ratings4 reviews
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5This 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.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5A punch in the gut...the good kind...if there is such a thing...
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5One 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.
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Interesting and sorrowful book. Surprisingly similar to the movie. So glad that I read the book too.
Book preview
Leaving Las Vegas - John O'Brien
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