cnorbury's review against another edition
5.0
I'm a huge fan of Chandler's unique style and originality. He was a true artist in the way he painted word pictures. Dozens of times as I'm reading his stories, I'll stop and want to underline or highlight or jot down a phrase, sentence, metaphor, or description that jumped out at me as being clever or brilliant or fresh, or funny in a sardonic way. The best part of his skill is that the voice is totally consistent with Marlowe the character. Often times a writer will craft a good line or lovely metaphor that seems exceptional but doesn't fit with the scene or the character.
His plots aren't predictable and have plenty of twists to keep the reader guessing the killer's identity. Characters other than the police are well-drawn. However, everyone seems to have a depressed, negative, perhaps cynical outlook on life (especially Marlowe). But that's consistent with Noir, so readers should be aware that this is not an uplifting book with any sort of happy ending, although Marlowe solves the case, of course.
I've become a huge fan of Noir mysteries from this era because writers like Hammett and Chandler painted such believable settings and characters in a world that was nothing like today's world. They make for a dark yet entertaining escape from 21st-century life.
His plots aren't predictable and have plenty of twists to keep the reader guessing the killer's identity. Characters other than the police are well-drawn. However, everyone seems to have a depressed, negative, perhaps cynical outlook on life (especially Marlowe). But that's consistent with Noir, so readers should be aware that this is not an uplifting book with any sort of happy ending, although Marlowe solves the case, of course.
I've become a huge fan of Noir mysteries from this era because writers like Hammett and Chandler painted such believable settings and characters in a world that was nothing like today's world. They make for a dark yet entertaining escape from 21st-century life.
joshhansonhorror's review against another edition
5.0
Oh, who cares about modernism and the avant guard when we have Marlowe's narration, his intelligence, his wit, and his self loathing. Perfection.
breaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Racial slurs and Xenophobia
autoluminescent2001's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
mantissabolt's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
literadreams's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
somanytictoc's review against another edition
2.0
While I enjoy noir fiction, I didn't particularly enjoy this one. Other reviews have noted that the plot is unremarkable and I agree. One of the reviews informed me that this novel is actually a combination of three novellas. That's exactly how it reads. Two of them aren't very good. I wouldn't recommend the book, even if you enjoy the genre. It probably won't stop me from reading more Chandler in the future, though.
daffodilcherry's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This book really opened my eyes on how Chandler essentially wrote the book on the hardboiled genre. His descriptions are so witty and funny, and you can't help but love Phillip Marlowe's dry snark. The plot is a little all over the place and difficult to follow, but nicely ties together. I really loved the writing, and highlighted a bunch of great lines, but the book also easily sent me to sleep, take that what you will. Wheelhouses: snarky narrator, hard-boiled detective, femme fatale, it's all connected.
Be aware of period-typical (lightly) racist remarks of black people (which happens within the first chapter) and Indians: I'm white so acknowledge that I'm privileged at being able to read past these things, but if these are likely to upset you I would recommend skipping the relevant chapters or choosing another book.
Be aware of period-typical (lightly) racist remarks of black people (which happens within the first chapter) and Indians:
Spoiler
black people are referred to as sh*nes and . At first it's difficult to tell whether Philip is disparaging about them, but as the book goes on it feels like he's sympathetic towards them, and is unimpressed/cynical with the cop who wants to ignore the murder of the black person as "another [black] killing." An Indian goon is described as very sweaty/unpleasant smelling and huge.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs and Gun violence