“But to believe that getting stuff is the purpose and aim of life is madness.”
Work
This book is about four individuals who pursued the American Dream. In this searing novel, two young hoods, Harry and Tyrone, and a girlfriend fantasize about scoring a pound of uncut heroin and getting rich. But their heroin habit gets the better of them, consumes them and destroys their dreams and Harry's mother's addiction to diet pills lands her in a state mental hospital.
Quotes
Showing 1-5 of 5
Hubert Selby
Canonical work source
“But to believe that getting stuff is the purpose and aim of life is madness.”
“Life was not longer something to endure, but to live.”
“They luxuriated in the feeling of deep and all pervading satisfaction, a feeling of knowing absolutely that all was well with the world and them and that the world was not only their oyster...”
“There's a sorrow and pain in everyone's life, but every now and then there's a ray of light that melts the loneliness in your heart and brings comfort like hot soup and a soft bed.”
“But you cant shut everyone out. I mean you have to have someone to love. . .someone to hold on to. . . someone--”