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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I haven't had the opportunity to read many crime detective noir novels and this one was an interesting one to start out with. I've never seen the movie version so I honestly didn't know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. It's all macho men, witty dialogue, damsels in distress, stolen goods, and lots and lots of drinking. So honestly, why am I just now getting into noir novels?!? They seem right up my alley!! This was a fun, albeit semi slow paced introduction for me into the world of the hard nosed detective. I'll definitely be coming back for more.
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Honestly my first time reading a detective/mystery story and definitely my first time reading a classic noir piece. Sam Spade is the perfect detective noir hero — morally grey, yet insanely charming and I'm kind of sad I won't be reading about him anymore. The mystery itself was paced really well and although there were times where I was just reading and reading, wanting to get to the next clue or reveal, I think in the end it was worth it. I loved how everything progressed, you never knew what was happening until the characters themselves found out and reading through the eyes of Sam Spade was indeed a treat. I actually felt like i was watching this as a movie when reading it, the descriptions of everything down to the minute detail of each character's appearance make it as if this was born to be watched on a screen.
I'm excited to discuss it in class because it's a book unlike any that i've read!
I'm excited to discuss it in class because it's a book unlike any that i've read!
I picked up The Maltese Falcon from my local library because I understood Hammett used the objective point of view on which I'm doing some research. This was true, though I did not end up using any examples from this book.
While I understand this book is an important novel from a historical perspective, as it paved the way for the anti-hero in literature, I found the stylistic choices a bit offputting, which could very well be a sign of the time this book was written, given it's nearly 100 years old.
By page 56, I'm about 1/3 of the way through the novel, and Sam's lack of growth is concerning. For example, Sam Spade is misogynistic, which isn't necessarily an issue on its own (character growth arcs and all that) but became an issue when Sam showed no sign of self-awareness in this area of his life. He refers to most of the women by pet names (sweetheart, darling, etc.) and openly discusses "dynamiting" (aka: seducing) women with his partner.
Separately, there's also a lot of exposition and summary information for an action-oriented detective novel.
If I develop a burning desire to know more about this wooden bird, I'll likely watch the Humphrey Bogart film instead. Importantly, I have no immediate plans to watch the film.
TL;DR - Good book for historical context; not great as a modern read.
While I understand this book is an important novel from a historical perspective, as it paved the way for the anti-hero in literature, I found the stylistic choices a bit offputting, which could very well be a sign of the time this book was written, given it's nearly 100 years old.
By page 56, I'm about 1/3 of the way through the novel, and Sam's lack of growth is concerning. For example, Sam Spade is misogynistic, which isn't necessarily an issue on its own (character growth arcs and all that) but became an issue when Sam showed no sign of self-awareness in this area of his life. He refers to most of the women by pet names (sweetheart, darling, etc.) and openly discusses "dynamiting" (aka: seducing) women with his partner.
Separately, there's also a lot of exposition and summary information for an action-oriented detective novel.
If I develop a burning desire to know more about this wooden bird, I'll likely watch the Humphrey Bogart film instead. Importantly, I have no immediate plans to watch the film.
TL;DR - Good book for historical context; not great as a modern read.
I was right...hard to read without visualizing Bogart as Spade...which may be making Hammett turn in his grave but actually added to my enjoyment.
"We are such stuff / As dreams are made on, and our little life / Is rounded with a sleep." The Bard's Tempest, Act IV
Turns out Spade's famous closing line was created on set by Bogart himself, and not included in the adapted screenplay by director John Huston.
Continuing my journey into Hammett-ville, I'm onto The Thin Man.
"We are such stuff / As dreams are made on, and our little life / Is rounded with a sleep." The Bard's Tempest, Act IV
Turns out Spade's famous closing line was created on set by Bogart himself, and not included in the adapted screenplay by director John Huston.
Continuing my journey into Hammett-ville, I'm onto The Thin Man.
Barf. And I love crime fiction. Sam Spade is gross. Just thinking about his yellowy gray eyes and wolfish grin makes me shudder. So glad I finally choked down this boring pile of turds. Regret for wasted time.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated