3 Review(s)

Donald Westlake's nearly forgotten pulp sleaze classic, "Man Hungry," is actually one of his first published novels, a 1959 literary take on the genre, complete with lesbians, prostitutes, a swinging college campus, and a washed-up writer-turned-writing professor who's been unable to reprise the success of his bestselling first novel. And, oh yeah, a certain salacious young college junior who's hungry for more than just an education. Apart from its steamy content, "Man Hungry" is actually a fine novel and a fascinating glimpse into the development of one of our most prolific and talented writers. It's all there-hints of his dark style, flawed and wonton characters, and the old familiar haunts, including the first appearance of the fictional Monequois College in the equally made-up town of Monequois, New York, which subsequently appears in at least a half dozen Westlake novels under at least four of his pen names. If you're a Westlake fan, a fan of the genre, or just looking for a great vintage read, this new edition of "Man Hungry" from Blackbird Books will satisfy your appetite!