The Damnation of Adam Blessing

by Vin Packer

It is the story of the strange, private world built by a man of many faces and as many distorted passions, and of the women who dared enter that world.

Genres: Pulp, Crime, Noir

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1961

About the author

Marijane Meaker (born May 27, 1927) is an American novelist and short story writer in several genres using different pen names. From 1952 to 1969 she wrote twenty mystery and crime novels as Vin Packer, including Spring Fire which is credited with launching the genre of lesbian pulp fiction (although few of Packer's books address homosexuality or feature gay characters). Using her own observations of lesbians in the 1950s and 1960s, she wrote a series of nonfiction books as Ann Aldrich from 1955 to 1972. In 1972 she switched genres and pen names once more to begin writing for young adults, and became quite successful as M.E. Kerr, producing over 20 novels and winning multiple awards, including the American Library Association's lifetime award for young-adult literature (Edwards Award). She was described by The New York Times Book Review as "one of the grand masters of young adult fiction." As Mary James, she has written four books for younger children.

Regardless of genre or pen name, Meaker's books have in common complex characters that have difficult relationships and complicated problems, who rail against conformity. Meaker said of this approach, "I was a bookworm and a poetry lover. When I think of myself and what I would have liked to have found in books those many years ago, I remember being depressed by all the neatly tied-up, happy-ending stories, the abundance of winners, the themes of winning, solving, finding — when around me it didn't seem that easy. So I write with a different feeling when I write for young adults. I guess I write for myself at that age."

Reviews

[S. Zahler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent writing and fascinating characterization detail the sad and humorous story of Adam Blessing.

This book is written by Vin Packer (whose real name is Marijane Meaker), and it is an engaging, funny and uncomfortable reading experience that I'd rank alongside or above the best noir pieces by my other favorite crime novelists---David Goodis, Charles Willeford, George V. Higgins, and Jim Thompson---though this is certainly less plot oriented and even more character driven than their books. It also brings to mind Fellini at his finest (the touching, The Nights of Cabiria) and some of the edgier character study movies that came out in the 70s.

The Damnation of Adam Blessing is a funny, disorienting and cringe-inducing book, an episodic--yet cumulative--journey wherein the oblivious protagonist proves to be an often unreliable narrator. It is probably not considered essential literature because of the pulpy way in which it was originally marketed, but this is superb stuff that works on every emotional level and is worth more serious study and admiration than most commonly regarded "classics." This is my favorite book by her, though The Twisted Ones and The Thrill Kids are nearly as good.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brought up an orphan, Adam Blessing is an ambitious fellow. Yet he desperately seeks validation in the eyes of a wealthy childhood friend he runs into years later, as well as others he becomes fixated on, often because they demonstrate some degree of warmth or affection towards him, however fleeting or trivial. He seems like a nice, if naive, and pitiable guy but he's got more than a few screws loose and a serious drinking problem that can make him a real jerk as well an emotional basket case. His constant delusional daydreaming of wealth and social adulation is exceeded only by his massively awkward and inappropriate social gestures, often making him a stalker and turning this into an uncomfortable read at times. The Damnation of Adam Blessing is more harrowing psychological profile than crime story, though it's that too, and proves a disturbing journey into the mind of a man with delusional fixations.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began reading this book simply based on the unusual title and the
fact that it was on sale. I also found it intriguing that an Acid Rock
band of the late 60s early 70's that was an opening act for many great
rock bands adopted the title as the name of their band. According to
the band's website, the leader of the band has been in prison for
almost 18 years following a "domestic dispute.". The book is unlike any
other Vin Packer book I have ever read. It is a unique psychological
Portrayal of an unusual man. It is not a fast paced thriller. There are no
gun battles and no police chases. And it starts off slowly and builds to
the point where you can't put it down. But it is well written and should
be studied in English Lit classes along with Catcher In The Rye and
Faust. An orphan works in NYC in a book and autograph collector
store. He managed the store for the owner who is a bit nuts. By
chance, he meets a well to do acquaintance from childhood and that's
when the trouble starts. An amazing book. Highly recommended.

[Joshua Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Painful in all of the right ways. A true work of literature in the guise of dime store pulp.

[Jonathan Ammon · Rating 4 out of 5]

An agonising, frustrating, but well done pulp noir, this painstaking character study is both impressive and unbearable because it's so close to real life. I have known one or two Adam Blessings, and the author should be lauded for not openly despising the character. I did not enjoy this book, but I respect it. It hurts too much to be funny or for me to be distanced from it. Impressive.

[Marko · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing is phenomenal - it's too bad this book seemingly hasn't gotten much recognition.

The story of Adam Blessing is a beautifully written character study of an utterly delusional and borderline insane individual. Vin Packer (a.k.a Marijane Meaker) does an outstanding job detailing Adam's journey as seen through his own eyes, at points even eliciting sympathy for his delusional interpretations of the world around him. All in all, a poignant story and a great book that should be more widely known.

[Onie Pepperoni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thinking man's pulp, written by a woman! Wonderfully cerebral and cringe.