The Hustler
The Hustler
Book Brief
Beta224
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1950s
2002
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Hustler by Walter Tevis, a billiards player named Eddie Felson seeks to establish himself as the best in the competitive world of pool. Throughout his journey, Eddie grapples with personal struggles, ambition, and the high stakes of the game, ultimately confronting his own limitations and desires.
Gritty
Challenging
Melancholic
Suspenseful
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
5,848 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Walter Tevis's The Hustler captivates with its gritty portrayal of ambition and desperation in the world of professional pool. Readers appreciate the compelling character study of Fast Eddie and the tension-filled narrative. Criticisms include occasional pacing issues, but the novel remains a powerful exploration of human flaws and resilience.
Who Should Read The Hustler?
Fans of The Hustler by Walter Tevis are likely drawn to introspective tales of ambition and rivalry. They enjoy books like Moneyball by Michael Lewis for the strategic depth and flawed human pursuit of excellence under pressure within a niche world.
5,848 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Hustler was Walter Tevis's debut novel, and it quickly gained popularity, leading to a 1961 film adaptation which played a significant role in revitalizing interest in the game of pool in America.
A chess enthusiast himself, Tevis's detailed depiction of pool hustling in The Hustler drew from his own familiarity with competitive mind games, which he later also explored in his renowned novel The Queen’s Gambit.
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The sequel to The Hustler, titled The Color of Money, was published more than two decades later in 1984 and was also adapted into a successful film starring Paul Newman, who reprised his iconic role as Fast Eddie Felson.
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224
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1950s
2002
Adult
18+ years
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