American Psycho (Picador 40th Anniversary Edition)

· Pan Macmillan
4.1
230 reviews
Ebook
416
Pages

About this ebook

Even before its publication in 1991, American Psycho captured the attention and imagination of readers. Now an acknowledged modern classic and a multimillion-copy bestseller, it continues to be one of the most talked-about books of all time. A film based on the novel, starring Christian Bale, was released in 2000.

Patrick Bateman is twenty-six and works on Wall Street; he is handsome, sophisticated, charming and intelligent. He is also a psychopath. Taking us to a head-on collision with America’s greatest dream – and its worst nightmare – American Psycho is a bleak, bitter, black comedy about a world we all recognize but do not wish to confront.

In 2012 Picador celebrated its 40th anniversary. During that time we have published many prize-winning and bestselling authors including Bret Easton Ellis and Cormac McCarthy, Alice Sebold and Helen Fielding, Graham Swift and Alan Hollinghurst. Years later, Picador continue to bring readers the very best contemporary fiction, non-fiction and poetry from across the globe.

Discover more at picador.com/40

Ratings and reviews

4.1
230 reviews
A Google user
March 10, 2014
A good book. Though 3 stars is too little and 4 too much, I think a 3.5 leaning towards 4 is fair. Not for the faint hearted and must understand it is satire. Best bit in my mind 'Summer' so much so it could even make you feel sorry for Mr Bateman. Glad I read it, but not up there with my favourite reads.
A Google user
March 11, 2012
I think the unusual and interesting subject matter is the reason this book is regarded as classic in some circles. While I appreciate the tension and the believibility of this story there is always something missing here. There is no change in the character or questioning of motivation, it is merely a stint in a killers life, observing what he does rather than emphasizing or understanding him. As such there is always a detachment and consequently a loss of empathy.
A Google user
March 11, 2012
I think the book is quite a taxing read. Which is what makes it the classic it is. The characters attention to detail starts to slow during the book which represents his transformation from serial killer into a true psychopath. Taking every advantage he can to make people suffer. And in the process becoming less methodical and taking even greater risks. If you read this book and truly become engrossed it can at times be quite sickening.

About the author

Bret Easton Ellis is also the author of Less Than Zero, The Rules of Attraction, American Psycho, The Informers, Glamorama, and Lunar Park, and his work has been translated into twenty-seven languages. He lives in Los Angeles.

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