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Ablutions (2009)

by Patrick deWitt

Other authors: See the other authors section.

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3702566,608 (3.49)29
In a famous but declining Hollywood bar works A Barman. Morbidly amused by the decadent decay of his surroundings, he watches the patrons fall into their nightly oblivion, making notes for his novel. In the hope of uncovering their secrets and motives, he establishes tentative friendships with the cast of variously pathological regulars. But as his tenure at the bar continues, he begins to serve himself more often than his customers, and the moments he lives outside the bar become more and more painful: he loses his wife, his way, himself. Trapped by his habits and his loneliness, he realizes he will not survive if he doesn't break free. And so he hatches a terrible, necessary plan of escape and his only chance for redemption. Step into Ablutions and step behind the bar, below rock bottom, and beyond the everyday take on storytelling for a brilliant, new twist on the classic tale of addiction and its consequences.… (more)
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» See also 29 mentions

English (24)  French (1)  All languages (25)
Showing 1-5 of 24 (next | show all)
The writing is gorgeous, so clear and descriptive. You can almost smell/taste/touch everything in this book. You wouldn't want to mind you, because almost everything in this story is truly nasty and an example of all the most base things humans are capable of doing to each other and to themselves. Spiraling out of control really. ( )
  beentsy | Aug 12, 2023 |
Love this author. ( )
  Mcdede | Jul 19, 2023 |
I'm not really sure why this is called "Notes for a Novel" (at least in some versions). These fairly brief ramblings of an alcoholic mind are far different from "The Sisters Brothers", the first of DeWitt's books I read (or actually listened to), but they still display the author's talent for memorable images and situations. All the drinking and self-destruction gets a bit numbing near the end, but the novel picks up for a pretty satisfying ending, and I definitely recommend it to anyone with an interest in drinking, lowlifes, or Southern California. ( )
  datrappert | Apr 17, 2023 |
Discuss reading a novel written in second person and putting yourself in the well-worn shoes of an exhausted, dejected, alcoholic bar back as he slides ever further down an abyss of his own making.

From your safe, comfortable position in your favourite reading spot, you are virtually assaulted with the depravity and misery of the hopeless. They come alive from the pages on your lap and steep you in despair.

Your protagonist has no name but he introduces you to the parade of pathetic patrons that frequent his bar. You do not feel compassion or empathy so much as pity, some disgust, and a distinct and overwhelming impulse to distance yourself from these wretched creatures.
....
I can't say that I enjoyed reading ( )
  Jess.Stetson | Apr 4, 2023 |
This is a bizarre little book about addiction, specifically the adverse impact of alcohol and drugs on the main character’s life. The unnamed protagonist works in a run-down Hollywood bar. He is lonely and miserable but clings to a small shred of hope that his life will improve. It is narrated in second person, focusing on the bar’s regulars. It is occasionally meandering and often disturbing, but somehow it works. It will appeal to those that enjoy unconventional stories containing dark humor. ( )
  Castlelass | Oct 30, 2022 |
Showing 1-5 of 24 (next | show all)
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» Add other authors (4 possible)

Author nameRoleType of authorWork?Status
Patrick deWittprimary authorall editionscalculated
Aronson, PhilippeTraductionsecondary authorsome editionsconfirmed

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For my father, Gary deWitt

the last of the old, bold pilots.
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In a famous but declining Hollywood bar works A Barman. Morbidly amused by the decadent decay of his surroundings, he watches the patrons fall into their nightly oblivion, making notes for his novel. In the hope of uncovering their secrets and motives, he establishes tentative friendships with the cast of variously pathological regulars. But as his tenure at the bar continues, he begins to serve himself more often than his customers, and the moments he lives outside the bar become more and more painful: he loses his wife, his way, himself. Trapped by his habits and his loneliness, he realizes he will not survive if he doesn't break free. And so he hatches a terrible, necessary plan of escape and his only chance for redemption. Step into Ablutions and step behind the bar, below rock bottom, and beyond the everyday take on storytelling for a brilliant, new twist on the classic tale of addiction and its consequences.

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