When it comes to the great writers of our generation there is no doubt that Chuck Palahniuk (“Fight Club,” 1997)will be remembered for his creative, controversial, and powerful work that leaves a lasting imprint in the reader’s mind.

With the release of his ninth novel, “Snuff,” it is clear that Palahniuk is not holding anything back. From the time that he released” Fight Club” he has b een on an all-out quest to expose his readers to the fringe elements of society.

“Snuff” deals with the sick and disturbing porn industry. To many it is hard to believe that his type of filming is even out there, but with the rising concern about the snuff pornography industry and the many questions it raises, it is hard to understand how such a thing is even created.

The main character is the legendary and aging porn queen Cassie Wright, who after a lifetime of making films, marketing her own line of adult toys, and dealing with the consequences of putting her own child up for adoption is now about to attempt to set the all-time world record for serial fornication by having intercourse with 600 different men on camera during one continuous filming session that will ultimately cause the end of Cassie’s life.

Mr. 600, who is also an aging porn actor, believes he is the father of the “porn baby” that Cassie put up for adoption in the beginning of her career. Not only has he filmed previous movies with Wright, but after drugging her with large doses of tranquilizers (known as “Special K”), and forcing her to film her first movie, he has encouraged her to progress in the business.

Now, 19 years later, Mr. 600 (also known as Branch Bacardi) has come back for his last and final filming with the famous Ms. Wright, but with someone planning to kill Cassie before the big bang, the ending is an exciting shock to the reader.

As we go travel into this 197-page story, we see through the eyes of four different people, Mr. 600, Mr. 72, Mr. 137, and Ms. Wright’s talent wrangler, producer, and stopwatch woman named Sheila.

When it comes to character, emotion, and description, Palahniuk is driven to a new of creativity with his simple sentence structure. The flow is never lost throughout the novel, and with each chapter being told through the eyes of a different character it feels as if the read is much faster giving you a good feel of completion at the end.

With Palahniuk’s easy-to-read style he goes beyond and far past what anyone could have prepared for. His writing has truly improved and expanded from his past classics such as “Fight Club” and “Choke.”

In the past Palahniuk has been known for his confusing style with the plot jumping back and forth throughout the book. But in “Snuff” there is no second-guessing; his writing is straight to the point and very insightful.

Not only does Palahniuk follow this new style but his extraordinary story telling skills goes far beyond the writing of others like James Frey (“A Million Little Pieces,” 2007) who tends to lack these skills with his writings on similar topics.

With the story not only dealing with the corrupt porn industry, Palahniuk also gives the reader a great insight to other subjects, such as gang identity in our own country.

“On his lower back just above the waistband on his boxer shorts, is a scrolled fancy tattoo of the number 187: the California Penitentiary Code section for murder,” said character Mr. 72 in an interesting and informing conversation dealing with gangs in America.

Palahniuk not only defines and explains these lessons but he also uses a unique sense of description when telling them, he really makes the reader feel as if he is a part of the action, which is exactly what a good writer should do.

With facts about the mainstream film industry sprinkled throughout the book, the reader also gets somewhat of a history lesson when it comes to classic Hollywood movie stars like our own Marilyn Monroe and Gene Kelly.

Palahniuk also has a long list of facts revealing some strange stories about both Hitler and the royal family of Caesar Augustus.

Don’t think this book is made for everyone though, the weak stomached and the easily disturbed should not partake in this journey. Yet, if you are a fan of Palahniuk or you are up for a climactic ride, I do recommend it.

Shelia says, “Do you respect someone’s right to seek challenges and discover their true potential? How is a gangbang any different than risking your life to climb Mount Everest? And do you accept sex as a form of viable emotional therapy?” These are the type of questions that Palahniuk poses to the readers.

Although Palahniuk asks these questions straightforwardly in the text, there are many that come to ones mind while reading.
Like how can people even think of such a film? Or how can these men make money off the suffering of women?

Palahniuk forces us to think outside of the norms and carry over to the dark side of society, where many have never been before.

600 men, one legendary porn star, and a room full of cameras. get ready to fully engage into this one, and don’t be afraid to let it all out. You will be shocked, you will be disturbed, but you will be satisfied.
Chuck Palahniuk has done it once again.

Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: Doubleday (May 20, 2008)

My rating: 4 out of 4 stars
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