Requiem for a Dream runs through a couple of issues, but none more evident than drug addiction. This gave it all a rather distinct blunt feeling. Quotation marks were also missing from his work, presenting dialogue in one continuous torrent. Apostrophise were replaced with ‘/ ’ as they were closer on the typewriter, for fear of breaking his flow when writing. It’s written as a stream-of-consciousness, keeping a frenetic pace throughout.

Paragraphs had alternating lengths, sometimes dropping down a line when finished. This style is often described as a raw language, as well as bleak and violent.Īn unorthodox technique was developed, one that was used throughout the majority of his work. I write, in part, by ear – I hear, as well as feel and see, what I am writing – I have always been enamoured with the music of the speech in New York. In usual Selby style, the grammar throughout the book is little to none existent. This leads him to become addicted, something that he struggled with for most of his adult life. He was also given painkillers, including morphine, due to the severity of the surgery. It led Selby to chronic pulmonary problems, which lasted the rest of his life. He spent the subsequent three and a half years in and out of the hospital.Īn experimental drug treatment, known as streptomycin, was given to him but later caused severe difficulties. It was here that he was diagnosed with TB (Tuberculosis), and was sent home from service. Hubert Selby Jr.Īt the age of 15, Selby finished school and later, joined the merchant seaman in 1947. Their lives gradually deteriorate as they hold onto their dreams, becoming consumed by their own addictions creating their own worst nightmares in the process. During their planning, they score themselves a pound of uncut heroin.Īll four main characters believe their lustrous visions will come true, despite each one’s unanticipated setbacks. Meanwhile, her son Harry, his girlfriend Marion, and best friend Tyrone have thought up a plan to shortcut wealth. Synopsisīrooklyn, Coney Island, Sara Goldfarb aims to lose weight to get herself onto her favourite television program. I bring this point up to emphasise the impact this book had on me, as well as the themes that it presents of isolation and fear. It was in this period that I discovered Hubert Selby Jr, and ultimately, Requiem for a Dream. I was far from my family, yet I had my new friends close-by.īut for some reason, I just couldn’t settle. The second time I lived in Canada I remember a period when I felt isolated from the outside world.

Requiem for a dream by hubert selby jr