“Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” (1971) by Hunter S. Thompson

“Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” (1971) by Hunter S. Thompson

Robin explained how "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" is a roman à clef, rooted in autobiographical incidents. The story follows its protagonist, Raoul Duke, and his attorney, Dr. Gonzo, as they descend on Las Vegas to chase the American Dream through a drug-induced haze, all the while ruminating on the failure of the 1960s countercultural movement. Robin praised the lurid descriptions of illegal drug use and its early retrospective on the culture of the 1960s and the highly subjective blend of fact and fiction. Robin loves him a bit of gonzo journalism. Robin also loves the 1998 film version by Terry Gilliam, starring Johnny Depp and Benicio del Toro who portrayed Raoul Duke and Dr. Gonzo, respectively.

Keith was too young for frenzied drug taking and pharmaceutically enhanced road trips. He lamented the cruelty and arbitrary nature of the universe. Then again he mused, and quoting Samuel Johnson in the book's preface: "He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man" and with that he was silent.

Roland and Nick enjoy deserts

When Roland first read 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas', as a teenager he perceived it as a manifesto for hedonism and excess. It served him well. As a mature adult in 2017, it seems more obviously a lament for the failed promise of the 1960s counterculture and the hippy dream. Where have all the good times gone? Won't you tell me?

Nick loves both deserts and desserts - recurrent themes in his life. "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" is a classic historical document. All life is captured in its pages.

Hamish passionately asserts that other people’s drug escapades are boring.  Either take your own drugs and have your own bizarre experiences or don’t get involved. Visions of reptiles at the hotel bar and bats around the car no longer carry much interest for him. Not anymore. Not after Devils Dyke.

The Terry Gilliam film adaptation simply does not work. Or does it? Hunter S. Thompson and Terry Gilliam seems like a marriage made in heaven and yet, whilst visually pleasing, it ultimately boils down to endless scenes of drug fuelled stupidity. Or does it?

Hamish 6/10

Robin 7/10

Nigel 6/10

Nick 8/10

Tristan 7/10

Roland 4/10

Keith 5/10

Chilly discussion 

MUSIC: “L.A. Woman” (1971) by The Doors

L.A. Woman is the sixth studio album by the American rock band the Doors, released on April 19, 1971, on Elektra Records. 

The Doors divided the Hove Book Group - some fall upon Jim's discarded leather trousers, others felt their over-sexed, come-hither stomp only appeals to teenage ne’er do wells

FILM: “‘71” (2014) directed by Yann Demange

'71 is a 2014 British historical thriller film set in Northern Ireland, written by Gregory Burke and directed by Yann Demange. It stars Jack O'Connell, Sean Harris, David Wilmot, Richard Dormer, Paul Anderson and Charlie Murphy, and tells the story of a British soldier who becomes separated from his unit during a riot in Belfast at the height of the Troubles in 1971.

We've got mad love for '71

ENDORSE IT

Roland: Lion film
Robin: The Real Marigold Hotel (BBC TV series)
Nick: The Fantastic Mr Fox film
Keith: Look Who's Back film (Netflix)
Nigel: Breaking Bad seasons 3 + 4 (Netflix)
Tristan: The Skeleton Tree To The Rise of Trump blog post
Tristan: Bronies documentary (Netflix)