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A review by bekkysaurus_rex
The Postman Always Rings Twice (Special Edition) by James M. Cain
dark
reflective
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
1.25
When I picked up this book, I read the blurb and the review stating it was "Explosively Violent" and "Shocking for its time", and8 was so excited to read it. That excitement was short lived.
This classic centres around Frank, a drifter, and morally grey character, who comes upon a gas station and falls(Lusts for is a more fitting word) for the wife of the station owner. A twisted love affair ensues and leads the characters to plotting the murder of the station owner.
By the end of this, thankfully short, book, I saw what the author was trying to do and the message they were trying to send, but it was not executed well. It was also hard to look over the misogynistic narrative and racist comments made in the book. I also struggle to understand how this book was "explosive" and "erotic and violent" even for the time it was released. That's what disappointed me the most. The most violent scene in this book was when the main character hit a character over the head with a glass bottle. My description is basically how it was described in the book, there was no graphic violence at all, very underwhelming. Honestly, the toxic sexual relationship that tip toed on the lines of domestic abuse was the only "shocking" or uncomfortable part of this book.
Hence, due to the "explosive" disappointment that this book was, I was just glad that it was as short as it was.
This classic centres around Frank, a drifter, and morally grey character, who comes upon a gas station and falls(Lusts for is a more fitting word) for the wife of the station owner. A twisted love affair ensues and leads the characters to plotting the murder of the station owner.
By the end of this, thankfully short, book, I saw what the author was trying to do and the message they were trying to send, but it was not executed well. It was also hard to look over the misogynistic narrative and racist comments made in the book. I also struggle to understand how this book was "explosive" and "erotic and violent" even for the time it was released. That's what disappointed me the most. The most violent scene in this book was when the main character hit a character over the head with a glass bottle. My description is basically how it was described in the book, there was no graphic violence at all, very underwhelming. Honestly, the toxic sexual relationship that tip toed on the lines of domestic abuse was the only "shocking" or uncomfortable part of this book.
Hence, due to the "explosive" disappointment that this book was, I was just glad that it was as short as it was.
Content Warnings
Minor: Toxic relationship and Violence