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A review by leerazer
They Don't Dance Much by James Ross
4.0
Set in rural 1930s North Carolina at a highway roadhouse of low repute, this novel first published in 1940 has been getting some buzz as the place where country noir began (and which was promptly lost; the book never sold well). I approached it expecting a good deal of almost over the top violence, but that is an improper modern frame to bring to it. There is violence, and a bit of gore, but Ross metes it out measured and dry. There is not the sense that he's trying to shock you and provide voyeuristic gruesomeness. So that was a noticeable surprise for me.
The story is told through the eyes of Jack McDonald, a no-accounter who loses his small farm and finds work just outside town with Smut Milligan, and old acquaintance. Smut has built up a minor bootlegging/gambling concern and he aims to expand his operation with a new roadhouse and dance hall. Jack becomes Smut's right hand man, as the only other person about the place with a lick of sense. They attract mainly a crowd of low social status - mill workers blowing their weekly paychecks and some regular drunks - that is not particularly rough for all that.
Smut develops financial problems, and sees a chance to resolve them through a murder/robbery. He brings Jack into it to assist for a cut of the proceeds. Afterwards, however, Smut cuts Jack out and threatens him. Jack plots out a plan of revenge that he hopes will take care of Smut and allow himself to get away with the money.
I found the story entertaining, and the writing smart and well done. There's a good amount of cynical humor which was also a bit of a surprise. The picture it gives of a rural 1930s South rings true and as something different to read was quite interesting. Would definitely recommend. A shame that Ross never got a second novel published.
The story is told through the eyes of Jack McDonald, a no-accounter who loses his small farm and finds work just outside town with Smut Milligan, and old acquaintance. Smut has built up a minor bootlegging/gambling concern and he aims to expand his operation with a new roadhouse and dance hall. Jack becomes Smut's right hand man, as the only other person about the place with a lick of sense. They attract mainly a crowd of low social status - mill workers blowing their weekly paychecks and some regular drunks - that is not particularly rough for all that.
Smut develops financial problems, and sees a chance to resolve them through a murder/robbery. He brings Jack into it to assist for a cut of the proceeds. Afterwards, however, Smut cuts Jack out and threatens him. Jack plots out a plan of revenge that he hopes will take care of Smut and allow himself to get away with the money.
I found the story entertaining, and the writing smart and well done. There's a good amount of cynical humor which was also a bit of a surprise. The picture it gives of a rural 1930s South rings true and as something different to read was quite interesting. Would definitely recommend. A shame that Ross never got a second novel published.