43 pages 1 hour read

Bret Easton Ellis

Less Than Zero

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1985

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Less Than Zero by Bret Easton Ellis offers a stark, nihilistic portrayal of 1980s Los Angeles youth. Praised for its sharp, unrelenting prose and capturing the aimlessness of affluent teens, it has been criticized for its graphic content and perceived lack of depth in character development. The novel remains a compelling, albeit polarizing, snapshot of a decadent era.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Less Than Zero?

Readers who enjoy Less Than Zero by Bret Easton Ellis typically relish edgy, dark narratives about affluent, disillusioned youth. Comparable to F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby for its portrayal of decadence, and Jay McInerney's Bright Lights, Big City for its raw, urban vibe, this book appeals to those intrigued by moral ambiguity.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre
Coming of Age / Bildungsroman
Topics
Addiction / Substance Abuse
Trauma / Abuse / Violence
Themes
Emotions/Behavior: Apathy
Life/Time: Coming of Age
Society: Class