#237 | Why ‘Last Exit to Brooklyn’ Might Be the Most Unflinching Portrait (Ever) of Lower-Class Life in Literature

🎙 Douglas Vigliotti delves into Hubert Selby Jr.'s "Last Exit to Brooklyn," a transgressive novel from 1964, discussing the book's raw portrayal of 1950s lower-class Brooklyn, its controversial themes of drug use, sexual abuse, homophobia, prostitution, and domestic violence. Vigliotti also shares his big takeaways, reflecting on Brooklyn's transformation, Selby's unique prose style, and the novel's impact on various artists. The episode underscores the power of storytelling, art more broadly, and the enduring relevance of Selby's work. ✓ Sign up for the monthly newsletter at BooksforMen.org. 📚 Learn more about "Aristotle for Novelists" at AristotleforNovelists.com or READ IT NOW! ⚡️ Connect with the host on Instagram @douglasvigliotti or learn more about him at DouglasVigliotti.com. 🎧 Listen to Douglas Vigliotti's other podcast: Slightly Crooked: Good Stories, Told Well. ⭐️ Please consider sharing "Books for Men" with other men who enjoy reading, or subscribing and rating on your favorite podcast platform. Either goes a long way in helping new listeners find the show and inspire (more) men to read. 💥 TOPICS COVERED IN THE EPISODE:Introduction to the Episode (00:09) - Douglas welcomes listeners and introduces the book "Last Exit to Brooklyn" by Hubert Selby Jr.Overview of Hubert Selby Jr. (01:11) - Discussion about Selby's background, notable works, and his influence on literature and film.Themes of "Last Exit to Brooklyn" (02:18) - Exploration of the book's portrayal of 1950s lower-class Brooklyn and its thematic depth.Transgressive Fiction Elements (03:17) - Analysis of the book's graphic content and its necessity for storytelling.Setting: Brooklyn's Transformation (05:56) - Reflection on Brooklyn's changes over 75 years and the broader concept of change.Prose Style of Selby (07:02) - Discussion of Selby’s unconventional grammar and slang, enhancing the story's authenticity.Artistic Impact of the Book (08:14) - The book's role in pushing artistic boundaries and inspiring future creators.Closing Thoughts and Quote (09:21) - Douglas shares a thought-provoking quote from Selby and encourages listener engagement.