BOOK BRIEF

Inherent Vice

Thomas Pynchon
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Inherent Vice

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2009

Book Brief

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Thomas Pynchon

Inherent Vice

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2009
Book Details
Pages

369

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Los Angeles, California • 1970s

Publication Year

2009

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Thomas Pynchon's novel Inherent Vice follows private investigator Doc Sportello in 1970s Los Angeles as he delves into a complex web of crime, conspiracy, and counterculture. It combines elements of noir and psychedelic fiction, exploring themes of paranoia and social upheaval.

Reviews & Readership

4.0

37,759 ratings

67%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Inherent Vice by Thomas Pynchon has received a mixed reception. Critics appreciate its witty prose, intricate plot, and nostalgic depiction of 1970s California. However, some find it convoluted, with an overabundance of characters and subplots hindering narrative clarity. Overall, it's hailed for its humor and Pynchon's unique narrative style, but not without its challenges.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Inherent Vice?

Readers who would enjoy Thomas Pynchon's Inherent Vice are typically fans of intricate, postmodern narratives with a blend of humor, detective fiction, and cultural critique. They likely appreciate works like The Big Lebowski and The Crying of Lot 49 for their similar exploration of 1960s counterculture and satirical tone.

4.0

37,759 ratings

67%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

369

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Los Angeles, California • 1970s

Publication Year

2009

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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