Beat writer

So much for the abundance of gripping themes and subject matter in Chuck Palahniuk debut novel Fight Club - is it actually well written? The answer, ventures Sam Jordison in the Guardian, is a definite yes. It's neither flowery nor rich in terms of its language - but then that wouldn't work in the context. Instead, Palahniuk's writing is pared down and punchy (appropriately enough) - apparently simple but actually carefully considered for maximum impact.