Hubert Selby

Hubert Selby Jr. was an American writer known for his novels exploring the darker aspects of urban life. His most famous works include 'Last Exit to Brooklyn' and 'Requiem for a Dream'.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Last Exit to Brooklyn

    This novel is a raw and gritty depiction of life in the slums of Brooklyn in the 1950s. It is a collection of interconnected stories that delve into the lives of various characters, including drug addicts, prostitutes, factory workers, and union members. The narrative explores themes such as addiction, violence, homosexuality, and poverty, with a stark, unflinching realism that was controversial at the time of its publication. The book is noted for its stream-of-consciousness style and lack of traditional punctuation.

    The 899th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Requiem for a Dream

    "Requiem for a Dream" is a harrowing tale that explores the depths of addiction and its devastating consequences. The narrative follows the lives of four characters, each battling their own form of substance abuse. The main character, a woman in her old age, becomes addicted to diet pills in her quest to lose weight and appear on a television game show, while her son, his girlfriend, and his best friend are all caught up in heroin addiction. As their dependencies deepen, their lives spiral out of control, leading to tragic endings. The book serves as a stark and brutal depiction of drug addiction and its destructive effects on individuals and their relationships.

    The 1727th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. The Demon

    The book in question is a harrowing exploration of the human psyche, delving into the life of a seemingly successful and respectable man whose inner demons drive him into a spiral of obsession and violence. Despite his outward appearance of normalcy, he is tormented by compulsions that he cannot control, leading him down a dark path that threatens to destroy both himself and those around him. The narrative is a stark and disturbing portrayal of the struggle between societal expectations and the darker aspects of human nature.

    The 11825th Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. The Room

    Set within the confines of a prison cell, the narrative delves into the mind of an unnamed inmate as he grapples with the oppressive weight of isolation and his own dark thoughts. The story unfolds through a series of intense and often disturbing internal monologues, revealing the character's past traumas, violent fantasies, and a deep-seated resentment towards the world outside. As the boundaries between reality and imagination blur, the psychological torment intensifies, painting a haunting portrait of a man consumed by his own demons.

  5. 6. Beauty

    In a gritty exploration of the human condition, the narrative delves into the life of a young woman trapped in a cycle of self-destruction and despair. Set against the backdrop of a harsh urban landscape, the protagonist grapples with her inner demons, societal pressures, and the relentless pursuit of an unattainable ideal of beauty. Through a series of raw and poignant encounters, the story unveils the profound impact of external judgments and internal struggles, ultimately painting a haunting portrait of vulnerability, resilience, and the quest for self-acceptance.

  6. 7. Snakewood

    In a world where mercenaries are both feared and revered, a once-legendary band known for their unmatched prowess and deadly skills finds themselves scattered and hunted. As the past catches up with them, the surviving members must confront old betrayals, forgotten loyalties, and the haunting specters of their violent history. Through a series of interwoven narratives, the story unfolds with a raw intensity, exploring themes of redemption, vengeance, and the relentless passage of time. The characters' journeys are marked by a gritty realism, painting a vivid picture of a life lived on the edge of morality and survival.