American Psycho follows the life of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy and successful investment banker in 1980s Manhattan. Beneath his polished exterior, Bateman is a violent psychopath who indulges in brutal and sadistic murders. The novel delves into Bateman’s descent into madness, providing a chilling commentary on the superficiality and moral decay of yuppie culture. Through Bateman’s increasingly unhinged and unreliable narration, the reader is exposed to the horrors lurking behind the façade of a seemingly perfect life.

American Psycho has been banned and censored in various countries and communities due to its explicit content, which includes graphic depictions of violence, sexual assault, and torture. The novel’s portrayal of extreme brutality and its dark, satirical take on consumerism and materialism were deemed disturbing and offensive by many readers and critics. Concerns about the book’s potential to inspire violence, along with its perceived misogyny, led to widespread controversy. As a result, American Psycho faced challenges and was restricted or outright banned in several regions, including Australia and Canada, and remains controversial to this day.