Another City, Not My Own

Rating:
Summary: One of the Greats
Review: Dunne is one of our greatest authors. This one of his finest novels. Nobel alert!

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing ending
Review: An avid follower of the Simpson trial and regular monthly reader of Mr. Dunne's contributions to Vanity Fair, I eagerly looked forward to delving into this book, a Christmas gift from a loved one who knew I was eager to read it. Though I enjoyed the many observations offered by "Gus" heretofore not included in prior trial reports by author Dunne, I felt cheated and was thoroughly disappointed with the story's ending. I expected better from Dunne, particularly given the interesting story he wove throughout the earlier portions of the book. Perhaps he ran out of steam when it came to penning the conclusion; it's unfortunate, because up until that point, I would have highly recommended the book to friends and colleagues. Given the ending, however, I would say to others not to waste your time only to experience such isappointment.

Rating:
Summary: Nobel Prize Material
Review: Simply a triumph! Dunne deserves every literary prize there is.

Rating:
Summary: Engrossing. Great surprise ending.
Review: I enjoyed this book and found it to be a real page turner. Was a little disappointed that more of the actual OJ trial was not covered. Dunne spent too much time on celebrity reaction to the trial.

Rating:
Summary: Masterpiece!
Review: Some authors can break your heart, touch your soul, and change your life forever. Dunne is one of them. Pulitzer Alert!

Rating:
Summary: What a waste!
Review: "Waste" truly is the only word that comes to mind after reading this name-dropping, sad and quickly exhausted take on the so-called "Trial of the Century." Even if you haven't read this book, you already know about the waste of Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman's lives, the waste of God knows how much taxpayer money investigating and prosecuting the case, and ultimately the waste of anyone's hopes that justice (hell, how about rationality and logic?) would prevail. But you don't know waste, at least in literary terms, until you've read this book. Dunne wastes an opportunity to provide the definitive portrait of this trial and its participants--I say definitive because I feel that, with a little effort, he could have placed it squarely in the context of not only the class divisions and celebrity strata of Los Angeles but of this nation. Instead, we are given a half-hearted attempt at what wants to be a postmodern, ironic recollection of the "author" and his experiences at the OJ trial but what is, in actuality, a convoluted--almost laughable--mess. Ultimately, of course, what we have is not a novel about the trial but about Dominick Dunne, a decent writer (I actually like much of his writing in Vanity Fair) who happened to attend the trial. No attempts at creativity or depth, just chapters that drone incessantly on and on about who Dunne (aka Gus Bailey) was seated next to at this party and that function and...well, it's just overkill, lacking in both style and substance (it ultimately fails even as camp--though I did laugh out loud inappropriately at several "serious" moments--due to Dunne's apparent haste to propel the narrative and provide exposition at any cost). And as for the ending (and the recurring character who helps it come about), what could have been a genuinely creepy and unsettling plot device is rendered implausible by the flat, barely-workmanlike prose. I give it a 2 only because of some genuinely interesting bits of information (or at least reliable-sounding gossip) sprinkled among the deadwood. A major disappointment..

Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable Look at O.J. Trial of the Century
Review: Dunne has captured a different side of the OJ Trial of the Century by taking us into the gossipy, behind-the-scenes action taking place. His honest portrayal of his personal account of being the father of a victim (his daughter) added a new insight to what the families were feeling (especially the Goldmans). I found this to be a very light-hearted and "campy" take on a very serious and heart-wrenching subject. Good for Dunne!

Rating:
Summary: I am, sadly, dissapointed .
Review: I expected "Seasons in Purgatory" at the OJ Trial. The ceaseless name-dropping, while somewhat educational, is more than mildly irrating. Mea culpa . . . I expected more

Rating:
Summary: loved it
Review: just sent a personal fan letter to Dominick Dunne. I know I was one of the total strangers he met on Madison Ave as written on page 1. what a thrill to read that paragraph. I thoroughly enjoyed the gossipy text of the book. It was great entertainment for a horrific time in our culture.

Rating:
Summary: A dishy look at the OJ trial vis a vis the Hollywood scene.
Review: As a woman, I've always viewed the O.J. murder trial as gender-based, not race-based. And upon the reading of the verdict, I felt betrayed and abandoned by our justice system and the people of this country. This book, as written by an author I already admire and enjoy, made me feel vindicated - as well as wickedly fascinated - when he gave voice to the complex feelings I felt while at the same time focusing on the deeply layered relationships and personal histories within the entertainment industry.Bravo, Dominick!