Understanding Chuck Palahniuk

This book introduces Chuck Palahniuk, a controversial author known for his dark humor and edgy topics. Author Douglas Keesey argues that Palahniuk’s visceral depictions of sex and violence have social, psychological, and religious significance. He challenges reviewers who label Palahniuk as an angry nihilist and misanthrope, showing instead that he’s a romantic and believes in community.

Keesey reveals that Palahniuk’s outrageous narratives are rooted in his personal experiences and are part of the American literary tradition of protagonists seeking identity. This book groups his novels thematically: the struggle for identity, the horror trilogy, teen terrors, porn bodies and romantic myths, and an unorthodox revision of Dante’s Divine Comedy. Drawing on author interviews, this engaging and accessible book should appeal to scholars, students, and fans.

(This book may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.)