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A review by luana420
Be Cool by Elmore Leonard
4.0
Be Cool is that rare full-on sequel of Leonard’s, and oddly enough, like Stick following up Swag, I’d say its biggest drawback is Leonard falling a bit too in love with the dad fantasy of its lead; in this case Chili Palmer. He’s cool! He’s the coolest! All the ladies like him! I guess most Leonard leads have a bit of the old dad fantasy to them, but usually they’re quiet and professional, kinda “get on with things” type of guys. Chili is a slick huckster who can talk his way outta any situation, which makes him feel more overt a projection. I was bummed out that Elaine, the lady he has a professional relationship with in Get Shorty turns into a love interest here. C’mon, you can just be friends!
It’s still fun though, since Leonard can essentially do these “turn the characters loose” narratives in his sleep. I liked Elliot and Vita, and Raji the dumb fuck!
I’m wondering if this is where the turning point happens where the loosey goosey narrative takes over, cuz I had heard the typical Leonard approach starts to ramble a little bit in his old age. This was his last book of the 20th century, so let’s find out as I go along!
It’s still fun though, since Leonard can essentially do these “turn the characters loose” narratives in his sleep. I liked Elliot and Vita, and Raji the dumb fuck!
I’m wondering if this is where the turning point happens where the loosey goosey narrative takes over, cuz I had heard the typical Leonard approach starts to ramble a little bit in his old age. This was his last book of the 20th century, so let’s find out as I go along!