ISBN: 978-0-9795852-0-3

Publisher: Seven Locks Press

Alexander Motyl is a native New Yorker whose art is represented by The Tori Collection. He is the author of Whisky Priest and also professor of political science at Rutgers University Newark.

Who Killed Andrei Warhol is a book that will appeal to those who have ever had an interest in Andy Warhol’s life and work or who like to reflect in deep contemplation. It is a novel of sheer wit, loaded with energy and a hugely emotional tragicomedy about the friendship shared between artist Warhol and a Communist journalist.  

The introduction opens saying “Sasha” (a Communist) came to the United States in early 1968 to write about what he believed was the impending American Revolution. I wasn’t sure what to make of it when I read this. Was it going to be boring or, more importantly, was I to be impressed? After all most of us all know and love (or loathe) Andy’s work so the latter looked very promising.

I read the first chapter and was pretty much hooked. It does start off a little dull but within a few pages it draws you in and has you wanting to know more. Especially when you’ve established each of the characters and the basic plot. Within a few pages things get so much more interesting with a dead body on a marble floor. Who is this? 

Descriptions are keenly accurate and there are wonderfully portrayed capitalism observations: “And then I reach the theatre district, where bright lights and huge advertisements illuminate the wet streets, and prostitutes and junkies and bums mingle freely with matronly theatregoers and policemen.”

It also features on how different capitalism’s approach towards nature is: “Ironically, the garbage has blended into the landscape of the city - almost becoming part of capitalist nature. Amid the tall buildings and wide streets are humanly constructed hills of trash. In the gutters flow streams. Cockroaches, rats, mice and other vermin abound, jumping playfully from hill to hill”. Wonderful descriptive writing!

Sasha later meets Andrei himself who is sitting on a sofa “dressed in a black suit and shirt”.  

Andrei comes across as a rounded character who is very believable. I do wonder however what other readers will make of him? Perhaps you may not have the same opinion as me.

I don’t know about the swearing but maybe it kind of blends into the whole style of this type of literature as the story is written in the form of a diary.

The way this novel is written is addictive and flows at a steady pace. It does not leave you bored and keeps your interest throughout.

The front cover is eye-catching - very Andy Warhol indeed!

A hugely enjoyable book.