The Bookish Ashley

Rating: ★★★★☆

Eve Babitz, with her magnetic prose and irresistible charm, invites readers on a captivating journey through the sun-soaked streets of vintage Los Angeles in “Slow Days, Fast Company.” In this collection of ten vignettes, Babitz effortlessly captures the essence of a bygone era, where glamour, intrigue, and existential musings collide.

Each story is a snapshot of life in Southern California during the 1960s and ’70s, painted with vivid detail and a keen eye for the absurdities of the human condition. From encounters with movie stars grappling with the burdens of fame to escapades at the iconic Chateau Marmont, Babitz immerses readers in a world where indulgence and introspection coexist.

What sets Babitz apart is her ability to infuse even the most mundane moments with a sense of allure and depth. Whether she’s observing the lives of Orange County suburbanites or mingling with grape pickers in the Central Valley, her prose sparkles with wit and insight. And when she turns her gaze inward, grappling with her own desires and disappointments, she reveals a vulnerability that is both endearing and relatable.

“Slow Days, Fast Company” is more than just a collection of stories—it’s a love letter to a city and an era that continues to captivate the imagination. Babitz’s writing is as intoxicating as the Santa Ana winds that sweep through the pages, leaving readers spellbound from start to finish.

While some may find Babitz’s style indulgent at times, it’s difficult to deny the sheer pleasure of being swept up in her world. Whether you’re a fan of classic Hollywood glamour or simply enjoy a well-crafted tale, “Slow Days, Fast Company” is sure to delight and enthrall. So, pour yourself a cocktail, bask in the California sun, and let Eve Babitz whisk you away on a journey you won’t soon forget.