Last Exit on Brooklyn

Irv at Last Exit 1983 84 or 85

Last Exit to Brooklyn is a novel by American author Hubert Selby Jr., first published in 1964. The novel is set in the 1950s in the Brooklyn neighborhood of New York City and is known for its gritty, realistic portrayal of the lives of marginalized individuals.

Plot Summary

The novel is divided into six parts, each focusing on different characters and their struggles. The interconnected stories depict the harsh realities of life in Brooklyn, including themes of poverty, violence, and addiction.

Part One: Another Day, Another Dollar

This section follows the lives of factory workers and their interactions in a local bar. It highlights the monotony and despair of their daily existence.

Part Two: The Queen is Dead

This part centers on Georgette, a transgender woman, and her unrequited love for a young man named Vinnie. It explores themes of identity and rejection.

Part Three: And Baby Makes Three

This section tells the story of a young couple, Harry and Mary, and their struggles with an unplanned pregnancy.

Part Four: Tralala

Tralala is a young prostitute who becomes increasingly disillusioned with her life. Her story is one of exploitation and ultimate tragedy.

Part Five: Strike

This part focuses on a labor strike at a local factory and the impact it has on the workers and their families.

Part Six: Landsend

The final section ties together the various characters and storylines, culminating in a bleak but powerful conclusion.

Themes

Last Exit to Brooklyn addresses several major themes, including:

• **Poverty**: The novel portrays the economic struggles of its characters and the impact of poverty on their lives.
• **Violence**: Physical and emotional violence is a recurring element, reflecting the harsh realities of the characters' lives.
• **Addiction**: Substance abuse and its destructive effects are depicted throughout the novel.
• **Identity**: The characters grapple with issues of identity, including gender and sexual orientation.

Controversy

Upon its release, Last Exit to Brooklyn was met with significant controversy due to its explicit content and unflinching portrayal of taboo subjects. It faced legal challenges and was banned in several places, but it also received critical acclaim for its literary merit and social commentary.

Adaptations

The novel was adapted into a film of the same name in 1989, directed by Uli Edel and starring Jennifer Jason Leigh as Tralala. The film received mixed reviews but was noted for its faithful adaptation of the novel's themes and tone.

Legacy

Last Exit to Brooklyn is considered a seminal work in American literature, known for its raw and unfiltered depiction of urban life. It has influenced numerous writers and remains a powerful exploration of the human condition.

Related Pages

• Hubert Selby Jr.
• Brooklyn
• New York City
• Transgender
• Poverty
• Violence
• Addiction