West is a very attractive writer. Even in his most noir
fictions he maintains a certain charm, a certain delight in
words. Very precise writer, with the punch more diluted than
is common in pulpsters. I have enjoyed all his books,
especially Miss Lonelyhearts (hell of a dark read, once you
start to get the point of it). I agree that Locust is
surrealistic (and brutal in that the protagonist's situation
is unbearable to start with and only gets worse as the novel
progresses). I recently saw the movie (not seen since it came
out many years ago) and found it very strong, excellently
acted, with a beautifully cheesy recreation of the era. It,
too, has surrealistic elements.
Best,
MrT
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