A review by martyfried
A Simple Plan, by Scott Smith
4.0
On the cover is a quote from Stephen King: "Read this. It is better than any suspense novel since Silence of the Lambs."
I don't know if I agree with King's comment. Personally, I had mixed feelings about the book. The main characters were not very likeable, so it was hard to care what happened to them. I am pretty certain I would have reported everything and hope for an honest reward; but if Jacob and Lou insisted, I might be afraid to report it. In that case, I would get away as soon as possible and if the law ever discovered that I was there and didn't report it, I'd explain that I was afraid to report it because of possible revenge by Lou and possibly even Jacob. But aside from that, if I were Hank, I would not have gotten involved with Jacob and Lou in anything risky.
Some of the things that happened were so obviously stupid that I almost quit reading, especially in the beginning, as it was pretty slow and a little boring other than the stupidity. But it had good ratings, so I was curious enough to continue, and overall, I'm glad I did. Yes, it was like watching a train wreck, but it gave me much to think about. How could seemingly good, honest people so some of the things they did? As it happened, I could almost understand how someone might do this, although it was way too extreme to forgive. Still, in spite of the extent of their crimes, it was hard not to feel some sympathy for their problems - at least up to a point.
I suspect there is a lot of realism in the story. A lot of criminals ended up where they are by a series of bad decisions. Somehow, they manage to dig themselves deeper and deeper, until they are unable to figure out how to get out, and think it's best to just keep digging because that's all they know how to do. I suppose a lot of them are too drugged out, but that was the start of their bad decisions.
I don't know if I agree with King's comment. Personally, I had mixed feelings about the book. The main characters were not very likeable, so it was hard to care what happened to them. I am pretty certain I would have reported everything and hope for an honest reward; but if Jacob and Lou insisted, I might be afraid to report it. In that case, I would get away as soon as possible and if the law ever discovered that I was there and didn't report it, I'd explain that I was afraid to report it because of possible revenge by Lou and possibly even Jacob. But aside from that, if I were Hank, I would not have gotten involved with Jacob and Lou in anything risky.
Some of the things that happened were so obviously stupid that I almost quit reading, especially in the beginning, as it was pretty slow and a little boring other than the stupidity. But it had good ratings, so I was curious enough to continue, and overall, I'm glad I did. Yes, it was like watching a train wreck, but it gave me much to think about. How could seemingly good, honest people so some of the things they did? As it happened, I could almost understand how someone might do this, although it was way too extreme to forgive. Still, in spite of the extent of their crimes, it was hard not to feel some sympathy for their problems - at least up to a point.
I suspect there is a lot of realism in the story. A lot of criminals ended up where they are by a series of bad decisions. Somehow, they manage to dig themselves deeper and deeper, until they are unable to figure out how to get out, and think it's best to just keep digging because that's all they know how to do. I suppose a lot of them are too drugged out, but that was the start of their bad decisions.