Slow Days, Fast Company

During a dynamic era in Los Angeles, Eve Babitz was undeniably one of the most compelling figures of the 1960s and 70s. Known for her magnetic personality and striking appearance, she captivated countless individuals across the city. Despite her success, however, one man remained out of her reach. Undeterred, Babitz channeled her feelings into writing, producing a book for him. Her creation, "Slow Days, Fast Company," surpasses the initial enamored inspiration, providing a vivid depiction of a vanished Southern California. Through ten evocative narratives infused with the warm glow of the Santa Ana winds, she paints a picture of a Los Angeles where film stars grapple with their fame, socialites engage in extended drug-fueled escapades to escape their distant East Coast spouses, and soap-opera stars fret about their script's uncertain future. The Italian femme fatales in her tales only add to the intrigue, being even more enigmatic than Babitz herself. She ventures beyond LA as well, painting scenes of flawless suburban life in Orange County, mingling with grape pickers in the Central Valley, and experiencing unfulfilled romantic hopes in Palm Springs, with Virginia Woolf as her only comfort. Ultimately, whether or not Babitz wins over the elusive man is beside the point—her true success lies in how she captivates her readers.