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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
First book of Hammett's I've read. Highly detailed writing style and very witty.
This novel was just as good as I remember and as good as the film.
Sure, it’s a little pat, but the “good guy” wins at a cost, and the bad guys get their desserts.
And justice triumphs, mostly.
Sure, it’s a little pat, but the “good guy” wins at a cost, and the bad guys get their desserts.
And justice triumphs, mostly.
Since this book seems to be one of the earlier detective novels, I'm sure I found a lot of descriptions and lines amusing that were supposed to have been played straight, like the way Sam Spade's face contained so many Vs. For something that old, it was relatively fast-paced and over-the-top, and if I hadn't been so worn out from working as I read it, I would have found it even easier to follow. I also once knew a woman that Brigid reminded me of, and the ending in that respect was extremely satisfying. I'm aware that a movie exists, and that the movie is considered somewhat of a classic, but I could really see this done up animated while playing up the bits of comedy in it (whether Hammett intended them to be there or not), especially if the original movie was played for drama. This is the kind of book I'm sure I'd enjoy just as much if I read it again, long after I've forgotten what happens in it, so I do hope I'm able to forget what happens in this one so I can experience it for the first time once more, under less hectic circumstances.
fast-paced
Everything an epic detective novel should be, brilliant from the first bang to the last betrayal. Bravo Hammett, I am officially hooked.
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The Maltese Falcon
(47% Fail)
Consents: Not That Good
Overview: The Maltese Falcon gives readers hope with its potentially good plot, but it fails the hold there attention because of an unlikable protagonist and a story that struggles to decided if it wants to be a thriller or a mystery.
Overview: The Maltese Falcon gives readers hope with its potentially good plot, but it fails the hold there attention because of an unlikable protagonist and a story that struggles to decided if it wants to be a thriller or a mystery.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Read this book for a college class on detective narratives. I had seene the movie with Humphrey Bogart like 5 years prior so I knew the main story and the broad strokes since that film was pretty close to the book.
Its an excellent read, definitely a staple of hard boiled detective fiction. Obviously theres going to be some elements that didn’t age well. Sexism and racism for the most part. Sam Spade is weirdly very physically affectionate towards the women in the story, who all love him for some reason, but in a disrespectful way. Its clear he cares but in a very patronizing way like they arent smart enough to keep up with him. idk its weird lol.
I would reccommend the Bogart version of the film, bc its a hallmark of the detective genre and has stunning cinematography but the book is still a good time.
Its an excellent read, definitely a staple of hard boiled detective fiction. Obviously theres going to be some elements that didn’t age well. Sexism and racism for the most part. Sam Spade is weirdly very physically affectionate towards the women in the story, who all love him for some reason, but in a disrespectful way. Its clear he cares but in a very patronizing way like they arent smart enough to keep up with him. idk its weird lol.
I would reccommend the Bogart version of the film, bc its a hallmark of the detective genre and has stunning cinematography but the book is still a good time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Violence
Moderate: Alcoholism, Homophobia, Police brutality, Stalking, Alcohol, Sexual harassment
Its from the 30s so typical drinking habits/casual alcoholism and smoking.
It’s black and white so while there is blood its not red, if that distinction changes anything. It will only be really visible as a stains, bloody knuckles, or cuts/scrapes. Typical of film at the time
Technically Spade (protag) is sexually harassing the women in the book by being overly physical with them (pulling them in by the waist while he’s seated, kissing, etc. its weird). The one he isnt in a relationship with it doesnt go much further than that, but the one he is in a situationship with, he’s very rough with her. To get info from her and when just making out/fade to black.
One of the male characters is sometimes seen as feminine, and theres a few comments thrown around. I can’t remember if it was more direct about it or not, so take caution.
Films at this time had restrictions on showing violence and murder, in addition to not having developed a lot of practical effects yet so the gun violence is not going to be graphic, and theres not much if any blood.