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45 pages 1 hour read

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: A Novel

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

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Book Brief

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Quentin Tarantino

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Los Angeles, California • 1960s

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood by Quentin Tarantino follows Rick Dalton, a once-successful actor struggling to revive his career, and his loyal stuntman, Cliff Booth, as they navigate the evolving film industry of 1969 Hollywood. They encounter real and fictional characters, including director Roman Polanski and actress Sharon Tate, while dealing with personal and professional challenges. The novel features racist, antisemitic, antigay, and misogynistic language, graphic violence, substance misuse, suicide, and discussions of statutory rape.

Nostalgic

Humorous

Gritty

Mysterious

Playful

Reviews & Readership

4.2

29,645 ratings

77%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood immerses readers in a meticulously crafted 1969 Los Angeles, blending real events with fictional narratives. Praised for its vibrant characters and rich period details, some critics argue the plot meanders and relies heavily on nostalgia. Nonetheless, fans of Tarantino will appreciate his signature dialogue and dark humor.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Once Upon a Time in Hollywood?

Fans of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood by Quentin Tarantino are likely to enjoy his signature blend of sharp dialogue, dark humor, and rich character development. Readers who appreciate literary homages to 1960s Hollywood, akin to the narrative style of Inherent Vice by Thomas Pynchon or The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler, will find this novel compelling.

4.2

29,645 ratings

77%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Rick Dalton

An aging actor struggling to come to terms with his declining Hollywood career while navigating personal and professional challenges in the industry.

Rick Dalton's best friend and stunt double, known for his real-life toughness and complicated personal history, contrasting with Hollywood's surface-level glamour.

A rising Hollywood actress representing the ideal journey from obscurity to stardom, whose presence embodies innocence and enthusiasm for the entertainment industry.

A precocious child actress who demonstrates remarkable professionalism and passion for her craft, offering unexpected guidance to Rick Dalton.

Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Los Angeles, California • 1960s

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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