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A review by ojtheviking
The Two-Bear Mambo by Joe R. Lansdale
4.5
This is the third Hap and Leonard story where I'm already familiar with the plot as I originally saw the TV show first, then went back to collect these books. But Lansdale's Southern noir universe lends itself so much to both rewatchability and re-readability that there hasn't been a single moment where I've felt bored or impatient to get through these books. (With that said, I am of course excited over the fact that the next time I pick up a Hap and Leonard book - the fourth one - it will be a completely original story)
To paraphrase what a friend of mine once said: problematic characters make for a much more interesting story. The author should write about it so that we can talk about it. There are ugly parts in this world, so let's have it on full display in stories so that we can rage about it. I do agree with that. And honestly, Lansdale does this really well in the Hap and Leonard books. As the stories take place in the South, you get your share of rednecks and the homophobia, sexism and racism that follows - we're talking KKK-level nasty racism here, with the N-word scattered throughout pretty much each chapter. It really does get to me, it riles me up and turns my stomach, and I suppose it's a great way for the author to make you root for the main characters even more, and want to see them get those prejudiced bastards.
Overall, this may be the darkest of the three novels I've read so far, although Mucho Mojo also dealt with a fairly dark topic. Still, Lansdale has the ability to maintain a touch of humor every now and then, if only to make the circumstances just a bit more bearable. The dialogue is always one of the strongest suits of these books. Both the banter between Hap and Leonard amongst themselves, and their smartass comebacks to anyone who confronts them one way or another. And as I mentioned in my previous reviews of these books, the narration has such a natural flow, much more that of a guy telling tall tales than stiff, classical literary narration. It has the feel of somebody telling you: "You won't believe what happened to me the other day," and the story evolves from there.
As usual, all the characters are very unique and distinct from each other, the way the scenarios are described and embellished upon is so clear and effortless, and I can imagine that even if it weren't for the fact that I had seen a version of this story through the TV adaptation, I would still have been able to vividly picture it all in my head, due to Lansdale's ability to paint a very clear picture in a short amount of time.
I mean, if we're talking books you can't put down, and books that are labeled "a real page-turner," the fact that I read this in one and a half days should say it all. Another top grade from me.
To paraphrase what a friend of mine once said: problematic characters make for a much more interesting story. The author should write about it so that we can talk about it. There are ugly parts in this world, so let's have it on full display in stories so that we can rage about it. I do agree with that. And honestly, Lansdale does this really well in the Hap and Leonard books. As the stories take place in the South, you get your share of rednecks and the homophobia, sexism and racism that follows - we're talking KKK-level nasty racism here, with the N-word scattered throughout pretty much each chapter. It really does get to me, it riles me up and turns my stomach, and I suppose it's a great way for the author to make you root for the main characters even more, and want to see them get those prejudiced bastards.
Overall, this may be the darkest of the three novels I've read so far, although Mucho Mojo also dealt with a fairly dark topic. Still, Lansdale has the ability to maintain a touch of humor every now and then, if only to make the circumstances just a bit more bearable. The dialogue is always one of the strongest suits of these books. Both the banter between Hap and Leonard amongst themselves, and their smartass comebacks to anyone who confronts them one way or another. And as I mentioned in my previous reviews of these books, the narration has such a natural flow, much more that of a guy telling tall tales than stiff, classical literary narration. It has the feel of somebody telling you: "You won't believe what happened to me the other day," and the story evolves from there.
As usual, all the characters are very unique and distinct from each other, the way the scenarios are described and embellished upon is so clear and effortless, and I can imagine that even if it weren't for the fact that I had seen a version of this story through the TV adaptation, I would still have been able to vividly picture it all in my head, due to Lansdale's ability to paint a very clear picture in a short amount of time.
I mean, if we're talking books you can't put down, and books that are labeled "a real page-turner," the fact that I read this in one and a half days should say it all. Another top grade from me.