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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
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.
I got this on audio to listen while exercising and driving. I like the idea of noir crime but it's such a problematic genre - very much of its time, I know. But it was still aggravating to listen to. I really want there to be a return to this genre without so many issues like sexism, racism, and homophobia. I feel like the genre lends itself well to social justice and diversity in plot and characters.
There were some cute moments between Spade and Effie (which I choose to interpret as completely platonic) and Effie is definitely my favorite character.
There were some cute moments between Spade and Effie (which I choose to interpret as completely platonic) and Effie is definitely my favorite character.
Reread.
Goes down like the smoothest of all possible scotches. Could not put down.
Goes down like the smoothest of all possible scotches. Could not put down.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-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:
Yes
"The Maltese Falcon" has impeccable wit, plot structure, and suspense. However, sadly, Hammett's prose are poor. His dialogue is occasionally interesting, but his exposition is jarring due to its short, sharp, almost lazy structure. I would definitely recommend everyone reads the book and then sees the film, but certainly be warned that the writing style is off-putting and somewhat hard to overlook.
I don't usually read this genre.this book was excellent I liked all the characters they were well defined I love Sam spade I would recommend it
the premise is intriguing, but the lack of any internal monologue or emotions from any character makes it incredibly hard to follow
The Maltese Falcon is a great introduction into hardboiled crime fiction. Protagonist Sam Spade is the quintessential private eye, a tough guy of the streets who approaches his job with dedication and without fear of the police or danger. But through Spade's interactions with other characters, Hammett suggests that perhaps Spade has given up something of his humanity.
Hammett employs an intriguing third-person style which is limited to Spade's experiences, but is very exterior to the characters, leaving the reader guessing about Spade's emotions and motives. This can make for good discussion, but it can also be frustrating. But if stylistic things like that fascinate rather than bother you, this book is for you! I'd also recommend it for fans of the film or people thinking of watching it.
Hammett employs an intriguing third-person style which is limited to Spade's experiences, but is very exterior to the characters, leaving the reader guessing about Spade's emotions and motives. This can make for good discussion, but it can also be frustrating. But if stylistic things like that fascinate rather than bother you, this book is for you! I'd also recommend it for fans of the film or people thinking of watching it.