American Tabloid: The Dark Side of History by James Ellroy’s

Redaksi PetiknetThursday, 21 December 2023 | 11:47 WIB
American tabloid
American tabloid

Petik.net - is a by that chronicles the events surrounding three rogue American law enforcement officers from November 22, 1958, through November 22, 1963. Each becomes entangled in a web of interconnecting associations between the FBI, the CIA, and the Mafia, which eventually leads to their collective involvement in the John F. Kennedy assassination.

Why You Should Read American Tabloid

is not a typical historical . It is a hard-boiled, fast-paced, and brutally realistic depiction of the dark side of American history. Ellroy does not shy away from exposing the violence, corruption, and hypocrisy of the powerful figures who shaped the fate of the nation. He also does not romanticize or demonize his protagonists, who are flawed, complex, and sometimes sympathetic characters.

American Tabloid is a novel that will challenge your assumptions and make you question everything you thought you knew about the era. It is a novel that will immerse you in a world of intrigue, betrayal, and murder. It is a novel that will make you think, feel, and wonder.

How American Tabloid Is Different From Other JFK Novels

There are many novels that deal with the assassination, but none of them are quite like American Tabloid. Here are some of the ways that American Tabloid stands out from the rest:

  • It is based on extensive research and factual details, but it also incorporates fictional elements and creative speculation. Ellroy blends fact and in a seamless and convincing way, creating a plausible and compelling alternative history.
  • It is written in a unique and distinctive style, which Ellroy calls the “telegraphic” style. It consists of short, sharp, and punchy sentences, often with fragments, slang, and acronyms. It creates a sense of urgency, intensity, and realism, as well as a distinctive voice for each character.
  • It is divided into five sections, each exactly one hundred chapters long, and covers exactly five years. Each chapter begins with the chapter number, the location, and the date. The action of the book is completely sequential and chronological, creating a clear and coherent narrative structure.
  • It is the first novel in a trilogy, called the Underworld USA Trilogy, which continues with The Cold Six Thousand and Blood's a Rover. The trilogy spans from 1958 to 1972, and covers some of the most turbulent and transformative events in American history, such as the Vietnam War, the civil rights movement, and the Watergate scandal.

What You Will Learn From American Tabloid

American Tabloid is not only a thrilling and entertaining novel, but also an informative and enlightening one. By reading American Tabloid, you will learn about:

  • The inner workings and conflicts of the FBI, the CIA, and the Mafia, and how they influenced and manipulated each other and the political scene.
  • The secret and shady dealings of some of the most influential and notorious figures in American history, such as J. Edgar Hoover, Howard Hughes, Jimmy Hoffa, and the Kennedy brothers.
  • The various theories and evidence regarding the JFK assassination, and the possible motives and roles of the different suspects and conspirators.
  • The social and cultural changes and challenges that occurred in the late 1950s and early 1960s, such as the rise of the civil rights movement, the Cuban revolution, and the Cold War.

How to Enjoy American Tabloid

American Tabloid is a novel that will appeal to a wide range of readers, especially those who are interested in history, , politics, and fiction. However, it is also a novel that requires some attention and concentration, as it is dense, complex, and sometimes confusing. Here are some tips on how to enjoy American Tabloid:

  • Be prepared for some graphic and disturbing scenes, as the novel does not censor or sugarcoat the violence and cruelty that occurred in that period. If you are sensitive or squeamish, you may want to skip some parts or read with caution.
  • Be familiar with some of the historical and cultural references, as the novel assumes some prior knowledge and does not explain everything in detail. If you are not familiar with some of the terms, names, or events, you may want to do some research or consult some sources before or while reading.
  • Be open-minded and curious, as the novel challenges and provokes your thoughts and opinions. Do not take everything at face value, but also do not dismiss everything as fiction. Try to understand the different perspectives and motivations of the characters, and form your own conclusions and judgments.

American Tabloid is a novel that will take you on a wild and unforgettable ride through the dark and hidden side of American history. It is a novel that will make you see the JFK assassination and its aftermath in a new and different light.