Scan barcode
ladykitsugo's review
2.0
For an age that is so radical in its shifts, corruptions and stories, one would think a book would be easy. This however is not that book, grinding down a basic story from seven different stories and feeling overall quite bland and jumpy in terms of narrative. One of its big mistakes is to push the idea of noir into every nook and cranny without letting Sydneys unique atmosphere speak for itself, LA in the 40s and Sydney in the 60s - 70s is a world of difference. Even the parts that do fit (Fred Krahe and Shirley Brifman's stories) are held down by a lot of padding on things that dont connect to their worlds fully (that be of the Police Corruption and Prostitution respectfully) and will stop to jump to completely unrelated (Askin, Lennie McPherson, sb Bookies etc.)
I also feel the follow while somewhat chronological is also a bit of a mess, the story to have no real start or end, outside of Krahe and Brifman. I feel if more focused you could make a much better history and more endearing read than here. Though at that cost i would say 1/3 of this book could be slashed (particulary one off bits and bobs). Overall just dissapointed, especially when this book can at times be strong. Just a shame it feels like its a aimless trip through Swinging Sixties Sydney.
I also feel the follow while somewhat chronological is also a bit of a mess, the story to have no real start or end, outside of Krahe and Brifman. I feel if more focused you could make a much better history and more endearing read than here. Though at that cost i would say 1/3 of this book could be slashed (particulary one off bits and bobs). Overall just dissapointed, especially when this book can at times be strong. Just a shame it feels like its a aimless trip through Swinging Sixties Sydney.
More...