Scan barcode
erniekins's review
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
oldpondnewfrog's review
4.0
I don't know what to say about these. They embrace savagery. These stories know how to move.
Three novels in my edition, and five short stories. Of the novels, Mildred Pierce by far the longest, surprisingly slow and subtle in comparison with the reckless pace of the first two. Pierce also the least satisfying ending. Double Indemnity the most satisfying ending, and maybe the most satisfying overall. But The Postman Always Rings Twice has a clout to it, that filling station, the moment of grace in the ocean holding his breath underwater at the end.
All of them hard to figure out what to think about the main characters.
This is the first time I've ever paid much attention to the Chronology at the front of these books, and there's something to it. "1888 Chandler born. 1894 Fitzgerald born. 1899 Hemingway born. Nabokov born. 1901. Death of Queen Victoria. Marconi transmits message across Atlantic. 1925. The 'Monkey Trial' in Dayton, Tennessee, finds for Genesis, signalling the withdrawal of Southern culture into otherworldliness. 1937. In the US around 75 million visit the movies every week."
Three novels in my edition, and five short stories. Of the novels, Mildred Pierce by far the longest, surprisingly slow and subtle in comparison with the reckless pace of the first two. Pierce also the least satisfying ending. Double Indemnity the most satisfying ending, and maybe the most satisfying overall. But The Postman Always Rings Twice has a clout to it, that filling station, the moment of grace in the ocean holding his breath underwater at the end.
All of them hard to figure out what to think about the main characters.
This is the first time I've ever paid much attention to the Chronology at the front of these books, and there's something to it. "1888 Chandler born. 1894 Fitzgerald born. 1899 Hemingway born. Nabokov born. 1901. Death of Queen Victoria. Marconi transmits message across Atlantic. 1925. The 'Monkey Trial' in Dayton, Tennessee, finds for Genesis, signalling the withdrawal of Southern culture into otherworldliness. 1937. In the US around 75 million visit the movies every week."
richard's review
Postman and Double Indemnity are both pretty good, but Mildred Pierce is amazing.
jain's review
2.0
The murder in this murder mystery is absolutely pointless, committed for no plausible financial or emotional reasons. If you can discount the fact that the novel has no real foundation, however, it's a fairly interesting read, especially if you enjoy a bit of schadenfreude.
michellehogmire's review
3.0
Hmm...expected to like this one more, due to its connection to Camus' The Stranger, but largely found it a difficult treasure trove of racist stereotypes and violence against women. The narrative style is a prime example of pulp noir minimalism, and Frank Chambers gets off some good lines. All in all, this is short enough to warrant a fast and dirty read, but there's better.
athenalindia's review
4.0
Apparently I remember very little from the movie of Double Indemnity, other than Fred MacMurray. Because the rest only vaguely rang any bells.
But these three novels are solid film noir, with a touch of intense family drama. The main characters are never particularly innocent (although Mildred Pierce is fairly sympathetic for most of her eponymous novel), and most plot to commit desperate crimes that they think will be perfect.
Unfortunately, as any good noir writer would tell you, those plans always rely on absolute trust between the conspirators, and that eats away at relationships and plans.
So for morality tales written stylishly, I would recommend these three.
But these three novels are solid film noir, with a touch of intense family drama. The main characters are never particularly innocent (although Mildred Pierce is fairly sympathetic for most of her eponymous novel), and most plot to commit desperate crimes that they think will be perfect.
Unfortunately, as any good noir writer would tell you, those plans always rely on absolute trust between the conspirators, and that eats away at relationships and plans.
So for morality tales written stylishly, I would recommend these three.
macklin's review
4.0
Really tense book. All the characters are so messed up. Cain does a great job creating a gritty dark atmosphere.
hammard's review
3.0
Part of my quick dive into hard-boiled noir.
An interesting short novel, much more a gritty dark crime story than the other detective focussed mysteries. We follow an attempt at a murder and the following trial and how this affects our protagonists lives.
An interesting short novel, much more a gritty dark crime story than the other detective focussed mysteries. We follow an attempt at a murder and the following trial and how this affects our protagonists lives.
More...