“Dernier tango a Brooklyn” (Last Tango in Brooklyn) by Douglas Kirk invites you on a poignant journey through the underbelly of 1970s Brooklyn. Published in French by Belfond in 1996, this novel, originally titled “Choke Hold,” delves into the turbulent life of Harry, a Vietnam vet grappling with PTSD and struggling to readjust to civilian life. He finds himself entangled with a group of desperate characters hustlers, addicts, and dreamers all navigating the harsh realities of a city teetering on the edge. Kirk’s gritty prose paints a vivid picture of Brooklyn’s decaying landscape and the moral compromises people make to survive. While the English version, “Choke Hold,” might be easier to find summaries for, experiencing the story in its French incarnation offers a unique perspective and linguistic richness. Readers familiar with Hubert Selby Jr. or early Scorsese films will appreciate the book’s unflinching portrayal of urban decay and human resilience. Discover this powerful and evocative tale of survival, loss, and the search for redemption in a forgotten corner of New York. Perfect for lovers of French literature and gritty, character-driven stories.