Most reviewers noted the strong central character and the abundance of depravity, violence and criminality, while differing on its literary merits.
The New York Times praised the central character's verve, which they felt made up for the other less well developed characters.[4]
Linda Herrick in the New Zealand Herald found it overwritten, with so much crammed in, and a tendency for over-the-top melodramatic passages.[2]
Publishers Weekly found it "fascinating" but hard to read, with a "raw power".[3]
Entertainment Weekly scored it B+, noting the extensive catalog of depravity and suggesting it was ripe for turning into a movie.[5]