Memphis Reads Archive

Fiction/Mainstream

Andrea Bledsoe reviews SNUFF by Chuck Palahniuk (Doubleday, 2008)

Ever since reading Fight Club and watching the film version, author Chuck Palahniuk has intrigued me. His twisted, bizarre sense of humor and irony just somehow appeals to me- maybe because I, too, have a twisted, bizarre sense of humor.

In Palahniuk’s latest novel, he bravely, shamelessly dives into the world of pornography. Adult film star Cassie Wright wants to conclude her legendary career by breaking a world’s record. Her goal is to be with 600 men on camera. The novel is told from the points of view of Mr. 72, Mr. 132 and Mr. 600 as they wait in the crowded green room for their camera time. Each costar offers a fascinating, memorable perspective of Ms. Wright.

Snuff has Palahniuk's usual shock value. I would wager that it probably has even more because he is dealing with the taboo subject of pornography. To give Palahniuk proper credit, he did thoroughly research the facts he peppers liberally throughout the story. Between the different characters’ points of view and the raunchy subject, this book is laugh out loud funny! Enjoy!


Andrea Bledsoe, Poplar-White Station Branch Library

Labels: Mainstream Fiction, Reviews by Andrea King