Customer Reviews

A Cannibal in Manhattan

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Without a doubt, in the BOTTOM ONE PERCENT of any novel I have ever read. The beginning of the downhill slide of Janowitz's premature and now-forgotten fame, the point where she began embarrassing those who overpraised Slaves of New York. Her one idea, grand satire of irresponsibility, is relentless here, the sentences plodding, the character motivations cartoony. A must-read for up-and-coming writers who need the "I-can-do-better-than this!!" push. Pretentious, unimaginative, and awful.

Cannibal in Manhattan is a comedy of manners masterpiece. Even without the keen social observations, the story would be carried by the amusing, improbable and adorable voice of the cannibal narrator. Tama Janowitz's wacky charm reminds me of Patrick Dennis, the semi-forgotten author of Auntie Mame. She's never meanspirited or condescending as she sends up human foibles. Three cheers for this unpretentiously funny little gem.

I read this book years ago. I was searching for it and found it on Amazon! The level of satire is truly wonderful. Her description of the characters is right out of this world. It really is a social commentary from an unlikely outsider's point of view.

great book and take on the NY citi social scene from the point of an outsider, in this case a genuine cannibal "straight off" the dark jungles of Africa. Anyone not appreciating this book as no sense of satire or humor and I hope not to ever meet such a drab. Great entertainment.

The only reason I gave this novel a star at all is because the book design is stunning. Cliched line art but someone worked very hard in designing the book with beautiful art. This novel should be appreciated for its visual aspects only. For the love of Pete, don't read it.