Publishers Weekly
Fante continues to follow in the literary footsteps of his famous father, John Fante (Ask the Dust), with another bruising autobiographical novel about his alter ego, Bruno Dante. When the publication of his short story collection is delayed indefinitely, Dante reluctantly returns to his previous career of L.A. limo driver. His boss, however, first insists that he sober up. He does, and launches into a downward cycle of recovery and inebriation. During his descent, he meets an obnoxious Hollywood producer interested in an adaptation of one of Dante's stories and an Old Hollywood matriarch who might be the key to his salvation. Fante puts Dante though many harrowing moments—waking from a blackout with a gash in his neck; having a spurned lover superglue his penis to his thigh. Like his late father, Fante views life in unsparing fashion, but he seems a little too enamored of his alter ego's downhill trajectory while offering very little insight into the source of Dante's personal demons. The result is a novel that disappointingly titillates more than it illuminates. (Oct.)
Library Journal
This fourth novel in the Dante series follows the life of Bruno Dante (based not so loosely on the author) as he negotiates the urban underworld of contemporary Los Angeles. It opens as publication of Dante's short story collection is postponed indefinitely; he then deservedly loses his telemarketing job. He copes with this string of failures and the relentlessly negative voice in his head by relying on a steady diet of alcohol, Vicodin, Xanax, and painkillers. Dante finally lands a job managing the West Coast branch of a limousine service. His good fortune only unhinges him, however, as his drinking binges get worse and his behavior becomes increasingly erratic. Ultimately, he realizes that he must confront his problems or be "86'd for the last time." VERDICT The son of Beat author John Fante (Ask the Dust) has also published a short story collection and two books of poetry and is a published playwright. His latest will appeal to fans of his literary mentor, Hubert Selby Jr. It's definitely not for readers uncomfortable with a steady stream of expletives and some explicit sex.—Douglas Southard, CRA International, Boston
France. Soud-Ouest
” I can describe Dan Fante’s work in one word... sublime.
Soud-Ouest France
" I can describe Dan Fante’s work in one word... sublime."
Soud-Ouest (France)
” I can describe Dan Fante’s work in one word... sublime.
Ben Meyers
If you like your prose vodka-soaked, soulful, and bleeding on the page, then Fante is your man.
The Face
Fante is a brilliantly economical stylist . . . sad, bitter, yet somehow infused with hope.
Uncut Magazine
...writing that is a violent lyrical blizzard....
San Francisco Book Review
Fante’s voice is strong, fun, smart and edgy and it makes 86’d a great read.
Sacramento Book Review
With Fante, and his father before him, there are never any false feelings or pretentiousness in the work... you know he has been where he writes from, and judging by the sound of things, it has been one hell of a wild ride.
Elle Magazine
Fante offers moments that brush the genius of Bukowski and Hubert Selby, Jr.
Booklist
Told in a free-flowing narrative style that features a number of memorable characters, Fante’s novel is dark, bleak, gritty, and inventively vulgar. It’s also honest, painful, and occasionally tender.
New York Times
Readers who don’t hang up... won’t be able to stop listening
