American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis

Description

“American Psycho” is a novel written by American author Bret Easton Ellis. The book was first published in 1991 and is known for its controversial and darkly satirical exploration of the excesses and superficiality of 1980s yuppie culture.

The novel is narrated by Patrick Bateman, a wealthy and narcissistic investment banker living in Manhattan. On the surface, he appears to be a successful and polished member of the elite, but he hides a sinister and psychopathic side. The narrative follows Bateman’s obsession with consumerism, fashion, and materialism, as well as his descent into extreme violence and depravity, including serial murder.

Bret Easton Ellis uses Bateman’s narrative to critique the moral emptiness and shallowness of a certain segment of American society during the 1980s. The novel is notorious for its graphic and disturbing descriptions of violence and is often cited for its controversial content.

“American Psycho” has sparked intense debates and discussions about the nature of violence in literature and its societal impact. It was adapted into a film in 2000, directed by Mary Harron and starring Christian Bale as Patrick Bateman. The novel remains a significant work in contemporary American literature and is seen as a dark and provocative commentary on the excesses and dehumanizing aspects of consumer culture.