45 pages 1 hour read

Quentin Tarantino

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: A Novel

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood by Quentin Tarantino follows Rick Dalton, a once-successful actor struggling to revive his career, and his loyal stuntman, Cliff Booth, as they navigate the evolving film industry of 1969 Hollywood. They encounter real and fictional characters, including director Roman Polanski and actress Sharon Tate, while dealing with personal and professional challenges. The novel features racist, antisemitic, antigay, and misogynistic language, graphic violence, substance misuse, suicide, and discussions of statutory rape.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood immerses readers in a meticulously crafted 1969 Los Angeles, blending real events with fictional narratives. Praised for its vibrant characters and rich period details, some critics argue the plot meanders and relies heavily on nostalgia. Nonetheless, fans of Tarantino will appreciate his signature dialogue and dark humor.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Once Upon a Time in Hollywood?

Fans of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood by Quentin Tarantino are likely to enjoy his signature blend of sharp dialogue, dark humor, and rich character development. Readers who appreciate literary homages to 1960s Hollywood, akin to the narrative style of Inherent Vice by Thomas Pynchon or The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler, will find this novel compelling.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Topics

Arts / Culture

Addiction / Substance Abuse

Depression / Suicide

Themes

Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies

Values/Ideas: Fame

Values/Ideas: Art