In the novel "Inherent Vice" by Thomas Pynchon, the atmosphere of Los Angeles at night is portrayed as bleak and desolate. Characters who find themselves in layover situations often drift into the city's less glamorous areas, where desperation and a sense of inevitability seem to lead them. This setting highlights the struggles of individuals trying to navigate a world filled with lowlifes and unsavory characters.

The nightlife in these parts of L.A. offers a grim backdrop, where people seek connections, albeit with dubious company. This journey into the darker corners of the city reflects a broader theme of searching for meaning and companionship in a seemingly hopeless situation. Pynchon's writing captures the essence of this yearning amidst the chaos, illustrating the complexities of human relationships against a backdrop of social decay.