This is a 1980’s geek fan-boy story of
a virtual reality world that has almost replaced the real world for most of the
earth’s population (school, work, and entertainment). When the creator of this
world dies he publically declares a competition to find an ‘Easter Egg’ in the
game that would entitle the winner to take ownership of the hugely profitable
company. This creator (probably like the
author) was influenced by the 1980’s and especially the music, movies, video
games, Dungeon & Dragons and comics. There is a lot of very detailed
references to these in the story that at times overwhelm the otherwise slim
narrative, however the pace is good and it is an easy read. For me being of
that period I enjoyed the book, but I can see it would have limited appeal.
‘Imagine
the world at stake.
An
epic struggle between good and evil.
The
greatest quest in history.
The
fate of humanity resting in your hands.
Are
you ready?’
In the words of the author this book
is a prime example of Gonzo-journalism that now with the hindsight of time
seems like a history piece that reflects a disenfranchised section of the
American culture that many of us have little or no knowledge of, and frankly
would rather it stayed that way. It is an odd and disjointed read that careers
around like a drunkard, but is strangely captivating and engaging at the same
time. The Ralph Steadman imagery
scattered throughout the book is perfect for capturing this sense of anarchy. The film adaptation by Terry Gilliam staring Johnny Depp is an authentic
representation and worth a watch.
‘Hunter
S. Thompson is driving to Las Vegas with his attorney, the Samoan, to find the
dark side of the American dream. Roaring down the desert highway from Los
Angeles, they realise there’s only one way to go about such a perilous task;
getting very, very twisted. Armed with a drug arsenal of stupendous
proportions, the duo engage in a manic, surreal tour of the sleaze capital of
the world. Their perilous, chemically-enhanced confrontations with casino
operators, police officers and assorted Middle Americans have a hallucinatory
humour and nightmare terror. Riotously funny, daringly original and dead
serious at its core, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is a classic statement on
the collapsed dream of the American sixties. ‘
No comments:
Post a Comment