What is the novel Permanent Obscurity about?

Answer 1

Permanent Obscurity is a dark story about unrealized dreams that can leave a person (in this novel, artists) searching for ways to break into the (art) world of the "known". It shows how desperation can lead one to make bad choices and how quickly these choices can get out of hand. Before a person realizes it, their life has spiraled downwards and has hit rock bottom. Rock bottom can be death, imprisonment, addiction, or any combination of these. The author, Richard Perez, illustrates this point on many levels. He not only uses his main characters, but includes his minor ones as well. In the end, he successfully interconnects all of them.

This is a well written book that can be classified as a "page turner" - one you cannot put down until you are finished. It is not erotica, but a story involving erotica as an unfortunate goal two females make when they do not know what else to do with their unrealized artistic gifts. Sadly, many young women do take this direction, especially when feeling there are no other alternatives. Richard Perez shows us this dark side of life. A side we do not want to admit exists, but does. In the end, there is no redemption. How can there be, when you are addicted to drugs, the cause of numerous deaths, imprisoned and have a family that has disowned you? You have become your worse nightmare, you have become permanently obscure.

I highly recommend this book.

Answer 2

Permanent Obscurity is a novel by Richard Perez that follows two quirky characters, Natasha and Christine, as they navigate their lives in New York City's underground music scene. The novel explores themes of friendship, identity, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels chaotic and isolating.