The Day of the Locust

By: Nathanael West

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Admired by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Dorothy Parker, and Dashiell Hammett, and hailed as one of the best 100 English-language novels by Time magazine, The Day of the Locust continues to influence American writers, artists, and culture. Bob Dylan wrote the classic song "Day of the Locusts" in homage, and Matt Groening's Homer Simpson is named after one of its characters. No novel more perfectly captures the nuttier side of Hollywood. Here the lens is turned on its fringes-actors out of work, film extras with big dreams, and parents lining their children up for small roles. But it's the bit actress Faye Greener who steals the spotlight with her wildly convoluted dreams of stardom: "I'm going to be a star some day - if I'm not I'll commit suicide."

©2018 Bibliotech Press (P)2018 Blackstone Publishing

Okay, okay, you've convinced me…

"Hollywood is shallow and artificial!!" I guess this was news to people in 1939, but now that we're 80 years into this trope, the message does get a bit-heavy handed and dull. There are really no observations here that seem particularly fresh or astute. It's not that I disagree with the author's point of view, but the whole story's only objective is to beat this long-dead horse.
Regarding the narrator, I have heard marvelous performances from Grover Gardner, but this one feels very "phoned-in."

Reminds me Cohen Bros. movies

I would often be shaking my head at the characters (100% fools) when suddenly I’d be slapped in the face by a passage of stunning beauty. Like every Cohen Bros. movie I’ve seen, these loser characters are filmed through a lens of lush imagery. This book is often uncomfortable and often funny, often simultaneously. I’m glad I read it.

The great Los Angeles novel expertly read!

A timeless work that captures the desperate spirit of Hollywood and one man’s pursuit of his art. Brilliantly read!

Nothing ever changes in Hollywood

I must confess that I had no clue as to the subject matter of #thedayofthelocust but, even though it was written in 1939, I saw many parallels and hark backs to my entertainment career in Los Angeles in the 80's and 90's. it was obviously profoundly influential to the likes of #mattgroening who found the inspiration and namesake of #homersimpson who was portrayed of one of the myriad Midwestern middle class men who came to the coast for health or a new start only to get caught up in the seemly world or brutally ambitious wannabe starlets, extras and , as is the case with the main character, a moderately talented artist with greater prospects painting film flats and mattes then any attempt at original art.

I also noted the great influence this book must have had on #jaketapper and his latest Hollywood based novel #thedevilmaydance . This period of Hollywood came at a time of transition as the original icons of the early years had spawned a second generation who had literally been born to entertain. A town rife with bohemianism, absolutely moral flexibility and everybody trying to fulfill their Hollywood career aspirations while also chasing the latest religious and nutrition fad, all in a quest for perfection and fame. Author #nathanielwest was a friend and favorite of #fscottfitzgerald , West and his wife died in a tragic car accident the day after Fitzgerald died from a heart aliment. Residing at #73 of the #modernlibrarytop100novels , I enjoyed the #audible version where, the storytelling was so compelling that I extended walk with the dog to catch one more chapter.

#americannovel #readtheworld #readtheworldchallenge #globalreadingchallenge #americanliterature #hollywood

A literary peak into the past

Finally(05/18/2023.) I read/listened to this short novel. Two positives: One, is the magnificent reader Grover Gardner - he may have one or two equals, but there is no one better; two, Nathanael West shows without telling what is happening, which is the hallmark of a good writer.