A review by chandranolynne
Black Alibi by Cornell Woolrich
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Well. This was surprisingly enjoyable! I was looking for a book set in South America for one reading challenge and a book written in the 1940s for another reading challenge, and I found this gem that fits both. I picked it because it was short so I knew that even if I didn't like it, at least I would finish it and kill both these birds with one stone. I knew literally nothing else about it.
Fortunately, I loved it. Plus, now I can officially say that I've read a legitimate noir book, so that's cool. I could sincerely hear that old-timey black-and-white film narrator voice in my head the entire time! The book was super mysterious, and I was greatly taken aback by the crazy twist at the end. Also, for being a man in the 1940s, I was pleasantly surprised at how un-cringeworthy his portrayals of female characters were!
Fortunately, I loved it. Plus, now I can officially say that I've read a legitimate noir book, so that's cool. I could sincerely hear that old-timey black-and-white film narrator voice in my head the entire time! The book was super mysterious, and I was greatly taken aback by the crazy twist at the end. Also, for being a man in the 1940s, I was pleasantly surprised at how un-cringeworthy his portrayals of female characters were!