The Damnation of Adam Blessing (Vin Packer) Review
Excellent writing and fascinating characterization detail the sad and humorous story of Adam Blessing.
This book is written by Vin Packer (whose real name is Marijane Meaker), and it is an engaging, funny and uncomfortable reading experience that I'd rank alongside the best noir pieces by my other favorite crime novelists---David Goodis, Charles Willeford, and Jim Thompson---though this is certainly less plot oriented and even more character driven than their books. It also brings to mind Fellini at his finest (the touching, The Nights of Cabiria) and some of the edgier character study movies that came out in the 70s.
The Damnation of Adam Blessing is a funny, disorienting and cringe-inducing book, an episodic--yet cumulative--journey wherein the oblivious protagonist proves to be an often unreliable narrator. It is probably not considered essential literature because of the pulpy way in which it was originally marketed, but this is superb stuff that works on every emotional level and is worth more serious study and admiration than most commonly regarded "classics." My favorite book by her, though The Twisted Ones and The Thrill Kids are comparable