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The Day of the Locust

By Nathanael West
Penguin Classics
Series: The Penguin English Library
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Day of the Locust by Nathanael West explores the dark, disillusioning side of Hollywood in the 1930s. It follows Tod Hackett, an aspiring artist who navigates the surreal and often grim world of Los Angeles, observing the desperation and broken dreams of those chasing fame and success. The novel offers a vivid portrayal of American society and the hollowness of the dream factory, painting a critical and haunting picture.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're intrigued by the darker, surreal aspects of Hollywood life in the 1930s. It's a compelling exploration of the illusory world of fame and the disillusionment faced by those on its fringes, perfect for readers who appreciate both sharp satire and richly drawn characters.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Twenty new titles in the much-loved and hugely successful Penguin English Library series.

The Day of the Locust explores the story of Tod Hackett, a brilliant young artist and a man in danger of losing his heart. Brought to an LA studio as a set-designer, he is soon caught up in a fantasy world where the cult of celebrity rules.

But when he becomes besotted by the beautiful Faye, an aspiring actress and occasional call-girl, his dream rapidly becomes a nightmare. With little in the way of looks and no money to buy her time, Tod's desperate passion can only lead to frustration, disillusionment, and rage.

The Penguin English Library offers collectable general readers' editions of the best fiction in English, from the eighteenth century to the end of the Second World War.

Series: The Penguin English Library

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Day of the Locust by Nathanael West is often praised for its incisive critique of Hollywood's artificial glamour and the disenchantment it breeds. The book is noted for its vivid, surreal depiction of 1930s Los Angeles and its haunting portrayal of the desperation underlying the pursuit of fame. Reviewers frequently highlight West's masterful character development and dark humour, which poignantly render a bleak yet compelling narrative.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241341674

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 June 2018

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 10.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 134g

Pages: 176

Collections

Best Sellers at Book Hero Classic Fiction Classic General Fiction Fiction General Fiction In Stock Books In-Stock Fiction Books Literary Fiction Nathanael West New Release Fiction Penguin Books Penguin Classics Penguin Classics: General Fiction Series: The Penguin English Library

About the Author

Nathanael West was born in 1903. From 1924-1931 he lived in Paris where he wrote The Dream Life of Balso Snell. On his return to New York he became associate editor of the magazine Contact alongside William Carlos Williams. Towards the end of his life he worked on film scripts in Hollywood. He and his wife were tragically killed in a car accident in 1940.

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