Reviews tagging 'Sexism'

The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain

8 reviews

wickgood's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I went into this book having some idea that it was about an affair that led to someone's death, but that was it. This book feels made to be a movie (and indeed, it became one). The action is quick, not a single character in this book is likable and they aren't intended to be. Cain said he wrote as he felt the characters would and this is told from the point-of-view of  Frank, a drifter who happens into a restaurant in Southern California and ends up with a job.

From the blatant racism to plotting to commit murder, even when they know they shouldn't, Frank and Cora's action moves at a breakneck speed from their unlikely first interaction to Frank's final plea and hope, however true it is, for Cora's understanding that he never meant for things to end up as they had.


I would highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys cinematic reads, but know that it's clearly a product of the 1930s.
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e_r_q's review against another edition

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dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.5

The Postman Always Rings Twice is famous for being "scandalous". However its famed violence is laughably juvenile, and its "iconic" eroticism is clunky and awkward. Even worse, the writing is bland, the characters are poorly written and dislikeable, and in the end, the actual plot feels really inconsequential. Also, the crude objectification of its female characters makes it evidently clear that this novella was written by a man.
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gillian_aftanas's review against another edition

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challenging dark sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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cepbreed's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Wow. I know now why they hail Cain as one of the authors of the early 1900s that was so ahead of his time.  This book reads like it was written yesterday, the action, the mystery, the eroticism all satisfy my 21st century brain which is something I didn’t think I’d ever find in a book nearing its 90th anniversary. This book is unapologetic it’s it’s graphic depictions of violence and sex, and the two as twisted sisters. I now want them to readapt this into film again. The book reads like a movie, as my professor put it there are 3 shots Cain sets up that keeps you engaged just like you would be if you were watching the action unfold in front of you. This book is perverted, but in a good way!

Songs:
  • Off to the Races - Lana Del Rey  
  • Ultraviolence - Lana Del Rey
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anastasia_s's review against another edition

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dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

Even though this is classic and book fits into era of great depression, pre WW1, I simply couldn't digest this book. 
Writing is cheesy and cringy like movies from early Hollywood. Book is rather sexist. Racial profiling is way over the top for this book to be cheered as a classic. Fit for archives of the library or maybe for someone more accepting of the literature of the period, but would not recommend to general public.
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exlibrissum's review against another edition

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dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

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breereads_'s review against another edition

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2.0

this book is not about a postman but i wish that is was
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areadingstan's review against another edition

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dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

Easiest 1 star I’ve ever given to be honest. I had this book on my shelf because it was on one of my university modules (though I’d never read it properly). From the start it was just offensive in many ways, clearly a product of its time, but I found myself really uncomfortable when reading it. It was also really unrealistic for a crime novel, though I guess it didn’t have a cliched ending. If you like classic crime and the ‘femme fatale’ character you might enjoy it. 
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