Title: Zeroville
Author: Steve Erickson
First published November 1, 2007
329 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781933372396 (ISBN10: 1933372397)
Rating: 4.09
Overview
Yuki is puzzled when Zero cautions her to steer clear of the enigmatic new Night Class member, Shizuka Hio. Kaname, too, seems on edge, dispatching Ichijo to keep an eye on Shizuka’s movements.
What is it about this intriguing girl that has everyone on high alert? As Yuki delves deeper into Shizuka’s past, she uncovers dark secrets that threaten to upend the delicate balance of power within the vampire world.
Will Yuki be able to protect those she loves from the looming danger, or will Shizuka’s arrival spell doom for all?
About the Author
Steve Erickson has authored ten novels, including Days Between Stations, Rubicon Beach, Tours of the Black Clock, Arc d’X, Amnesiascope, The Sea Came in at Midnight, Our Ecstatic Days, Zeroville, These Dreams of You, and Shadowbahn. In addition to his novels, he has also written two books about American politics and popular culture, Leap Year and American Nomad.
His works have been published in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Greek, Russian, and Japanese. Erickson has contributed to several publications and journals such as Esquire, Rolling Stone, Smithsonian, Conjunctions, Salon, the L.A. Weekly, and the New York Times Magazine, and his writing has been widely anthologized.
For twelve years, Erickson was the editor and co-founder of the national literary journal, Black Clock. Currently, he is a film/television critic for Los Angeles magazine and teaches writing at the University of California, Riverside.
Erickson has received several awards and recognitions throughout his career, including the Lannan Lifetime Achievement Award, the American Academy of Arts and Letters award in literature, a fellowship from the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation, and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. He has also been nominated twice for the National Magazine Award for criticism and commentary.
Editoral Review
Zeroville by Steve Erickson is a unique and thought-provoking novel that takes readers on a journey through the dark underbelly of Hollywood. First published in November of 2007, the book is a work of literary fiction that delves deep into themes of isolation, obsession, and the search for meaning in life.
Steve Erickson is an acclaimed author, journalist, and film critic whose work often explores the intersection of art, culture, and politics. In Zeroville, Erickson immerses readers in a world of film and celebrity, using his signature style of surreal imagery and allegorical storytelling to create a vivid and unforgettable reading experience.
The novel tells the story of Vikar, a young man with a mysterious past who arrives in Hollywood in the late 1960s, just as the film industry is undergoing a seismic shift. Vikar is fascinated by movies and the power they hold over people, but he is also deeply troubled by the superficiality and emptiness of the Hollywood culture.
As he navigates his way through the complex and dangerous world of movie-making, Vikar becomes increasingly isolated and obsessed with a particular film star. Erickson’s writing is masterful and evocative, capturing the dreams and nightmares of Hollywood with vivid detail and stunning visuals.
The characters in Zeroville are complex and multi-dimensional, with their own unique struggles and desires. Vikar, in particular, is a fascinating and enigmatic protagonist, whose journey of self-discovery drives the narrative forward.
The novel is also noteworthy for its cultural and historical significance, capturing a pivotal moment in American history when the old Hollywood studio system was breaking down and a new, more independent film movement was emerging. Erickson weaves this historical context seamlessly into the narrative, adding depth and resonance to the story.
However, Zeroville is not without its flaws. The plot can be slow-moving at times, and the allegorical elements of the story may be too heavy-handed for some readers.
Additionally, the novel’s depiction of women and minorities can be problematic, perpetuating certain stereotypes and tropes. Despite these limitations, Zeroville is a must-read for fans of literary fiction, especially those interested in the intersection of art and culture.
Erickson’s writing is powerful and insightful, offering a poignant commentary on the American Dream and the pursuit of fame and fortune. Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a thought-provoking and engaging read.
I would rate it 4 out of 5 stars.
