The author behind “American Psycho” Bret Easton Ellis with a new book – news Culture and entertainment

– I have not waited 13 years to write a book. But I had to feel the book before I could write it. I have to feel pain to write, says Bret Easton Ellis to news. The author is in Oslo for the launch of his new book, “Skår”. Ellis got his big break and is best known for the book “American Psycho” published in 1991. The book was turned into the film of the same name, with Christian Bale in the lead role as Patrick Bateman. Writing about himself as a young man The book was seen as controversial due to its many vulgar and violent scenes, but is now known as a cult classic. But for 13 years there has been silence from the author on the book front. Now he is ready with the novel “Skår”, or in English “The Shards”. The book is about himself as a youth in Los Angeles at the beginning of the 80s. – I wrote this book as an explanation to myself of who I was as a 17-year-old and about serial killers that I was fascinated by at the time. Grew up with serial killers Ellis says that he has always been fascinated by serial killers. He describes California as the epicenter of serial killers and as a child he knew the Manson family. Thus, “Skår”, like “American Psycho”, is about a serial killer. But also about the luxurious life and youth in LA. – The story is 100 percent authentic and true… Apart from all the horror and the more dramatic scenes. It’s the writer in me who adds a bit of drama and spice, says Ellis. He thinks his novels make people feel bad because of the bestial scenes in them. But for him, the book becomes a means of getting rid of pain. – Every book you write changes you. I find out something about myself in each book and become less confused in life. Writing a novel is like a cleansing. Bret Easton Ellis says that serial killers have influenced him throughout his life. Photo: Stig Jaarvik / news



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