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Title: Chinese Takeout : A Novel by Arthur Nersesian ISBN: 0-06-054882-7 Publisher: Perennial Pub. Date: 29 July, 2003 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $12.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.71 (7 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: Gritty tale of the downtown New York art scene
Comment: Chinese Takeout is a very readable and entertaining novel of a struggling artist named Orloff Trenchant, known as Or. Or is among the many downtown New York City artists trying to climb out of poverty and obscurity. As the novel begins, Or is quickly plummeting to new depths in his fledgling career. His girlfriend dumps him for a wealthy art collector, probably the worst insult possible to a bohemian artist. Meanwhile he is living in a broken down van and his only regular income is selling used books on the streets. Chinese Takeout is not big on plot; it is a meandering but observant look at life on the streets in this rather fascinating subculture. All of the action takes place over a couple of months during the end of 2000; the controversial presidential election of that year is in the background for much of the novel. Arthur Nersesian, who has written a couple of other books with a similar theme, creates several interesting characters in addition to Or, including Rita, the heroin addict with whom Or becomes infatuated and Shade, the older artist who lets Or sublet his loft. The book effectively evokes the worldview of the artist, who sees life in vivid, emotionally-charged and uncompromising terms. On the other hand Or and some of the other artists can also be arrogant and self-absorbed in their self-conscious quest for authenticity. The main challenges Or faces during the time we spend with him are to sculpt a headstone in a few short weeks (no easy matter) and the roller coaster ride of being in love with a self-destructive addict. Chinese Takeout is a fast read, always interesting and sometimes thought-provoking. I wouldn't call it an especially deep or memorable book, but while I was reading it I had trouble putting it down.
Rating: 4
Summary: A worthy work...
Comment: I was instantly pulled into CT, finding myself feeling sorry for Or the minute he introduces his fiancee to a young, rich dude. Big mistake. We girls always know what happens! I admired his way of making money day to day while living in a van and washing in public bathrooms, but cannot understand his sincere devotion for a heroin addict. It's easier for someone to pull you down than for you to pull them up. HOwever i was glad he succeeded in his commission of the headstone and managed to swim the East River as he always claimed he would do. PErhaps Or and Mary Bellanova should get together.
Rating: 4
Summary: Bohemia Redux
Comment: Once again, Nersesian proves that he is the master of the bohemian/downtown NYC novel. Although not as lively as his other novels, particularly The F**k-up or Dogrun, this is nevertheless an engaging, realistic portrait of living the harrowing 'art life' in the Big City. Entertaining and darkly funny, I recommend it. Also recommended: The Losers' Club by Richard Perez
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Title: Manhattan Loverboy by Arthur Nersesian ISBN: 1888451092 Publisher: Akashic Books Pub. Date: 24 April, 2000 List Price(USD): $13.95 |
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Title: The Losers' Club by Richard Perez ISBN: 0971341591 Publisher: Ludlow Press Pub. Date: 01 May, 2003 List Price(USD): $12.95 |
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Title: Dogrun by Arthur Nersesian ISBN: 0671775421 Publisher: MTV Pub. Date: 03 October, 2000 List Price(USD): $12.95 |
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Title: Suicide Casanova: A Psychosexual Thriller by Arthur Nersesian ISBN: 1888451300 Publisher: Akashic Books Pub. Date: July, 2002 List Price(USD): $25.00 |
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Title: Pieces by Stephen Chbosky ISBN: 0671001957 Publisher: MTV Pub. Date: 01 August, 2000 List Price(USD): $11.95 |
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