Permanent Obscurity by Richard Perez, a Book Review

In his book, Permanent Obscurity , Richard Perez tells the story of two girls in New York City, Delores and Serena, living a wild New York City lifestyle, experimenting in drugs. They amble through their lives aimlessly. Although their friendship seems true at the beginning, even slipping into physical intimacy sometimes, but beneath the surface is a different story. This is artfully revealed as the story unfolds.

Delores and Serena use drugs and people and function outside of the ''establishment". They decide to make their own S&M porn film to earn money. Permanent Obscurity catalogs their misadventures as they steal a camera, find a submissive man who agrees to be in their film, and ingest huge amounts of drugs. They are chased by criminal elements after money Serena owes them. The girls' adventure turns into a disaster as events take an unseen turn for the worse.

Richard Perez portrays his unique characters with no-holds-barred honesty and blunt authenticity in this bawdy romp through the mismanaged actions of these two undisciplined girls. With its clear, gutsy, and unapologetic style, his writing slams the reader with intensity. His dialogue is contemporary and the plot is professionally paced, racing in the end of the book to a climax that keeps the reader engaged. Mr. Perez is a talented writer who lures the reader in with a hook (drugs & sex), and then using an adroit bait-and-switch, moves smoothly to another rail (peril and death), and all before the reader even realizes what's happened. The transition is masterful, crunchy and surprising. Accountability and consequences finally come home to roost.

This story is expertly handled, well-written, and well-executed. Be warned: it does contain graphic content better suited for adults. I  recommend Permanent Obscurity for any reader who enjoys edgy street-wise characters in hip contemporary settings.