Hubert Selby Jr. was born on July 23, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in a working-class family and faced many challenges from a young age. At the age of fifteen, Selby dropped out of school and decided to join the Merchant Marines, seeking adventure and a way to escape the hardships of his upbringing.
Selby's time in the Merchant Marines exposed him to a world of experiences and people that would later influence his writing. He struggled with addiction and mental health issues, themes that would become central to his work. In 1964, Selby published his first novel, "Last Exit to Brooklyn," a gritty and unflinching portrayal of urban life that was both controversial and critically acclaimed.
Selby's writing style was unconventional, using unorthodox punctuation and stream-of-consciousness techniques to immerse readers in the raw emotions and struggles of his characters. He did not shy away from difficult topics such as drug addiction, violence, and poverty, portraying them with honesty and empathy.
In 1969, Selby married Suzanne Selby, with whom he had children. Despite his success as a writer, Selby remained humble and connected to his roots. He was known to his friends as "Cubby," a nickname that reflected his warmth and approachability.
Selby's second novel, "Requiem for a Dream," was published in 1978 and further solidified his reputation as a bold and innovative writer. The novel was later adapted into a film starring Jared Leto, bringing Selby's work to a wider audience. Throughout his career, Selby continued to push boundaries and challenge conventions, inspiring generations of writers to explore the darker corners of human experience.
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