Chinese Takeout A Novel
Chinese Takeout A Novel by Arthur Nersesian, published by Harper Collins on July 29, 2003, is a work of fiction that explores the gritty realities of life on the Lower East Side. The narrative follows Orloff Trenchant, a painter who sells books in Manhattan and is determined to perfect his artistic skills. In a desperate bid for money, he takes on a challenging commission to carve a headstone in the shape of a Chinese takeout box for a recently deceased restaurateur, setting the stage for a tumultuous journey through the art world.
As Orloff races against time to meet his deadline, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, including fellow artists, struggling gallery owners, and a hauntingly troubled poet. The story delves into themes of art, drugs, love, and death, presenting a vivid portrayal of the challenges faced by those in the creative community. With 304 pages of Nersesian’s sparkling prose, this novel invites readers to reflect on the intersection of life and art, revealing the complexities that lie within both.
Official synopsis Publisher
From the author of the cult classic The Fuck-Up comes a vicious new tale of art, drugs, love, and death on the Lower East Side.
Orloff Trenchant is a painter who sells books on West 4th Street in Manhattan and is obsessed with mastering his craft. Desperate for cash, Or agrees to take a commission no one else will touch: he has three weeks to carve a headstone for a recently deceased restaurateur — a Chinese takeout box. As Or attempts to make his deadline, he navigates among a toxic mix of fellow artists, struggling gallery owners, bloodsucking art dealers, his politically active friends, and a haunting addict poet whose life is more out of control than Or’s own.
Nersesian’s prose is sparkling and hypnotic in this brutal and comic story that will make you wonder if life and art are two different things.
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