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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
This one just wasn’t for me. I didn’t love Hammet’s writing style, though I will say it grew in me throughout the book. What didn’t grow on me was Sam Spade’s character, or Cairo, or Gutman, or Brigid. Really I just didn’t like any of the characters. Especially hated how he wrote women, and how every woman was apparently in love with Spade even though he absolutely sucked. As far as detective stories go, this one just fell flat for me. I didn’t really like Spade’s methods or how convenient his timing of “figuring things out” was. I can see why this is a classic in the genre, but I personally don’t think it stands the test of time.
Finally finished this book! I don't know how much I liked this book. I gave it 3 stars because I was only reading at work, my reading was divided up erratically. I had some trouble with the slang, language of the era.
Read my full thoughts over at Read.Write.Repeat.
I enjoyed the book. It was a nice change of pace. Detective novels are not typically my fare of choice, but I found this classic to be a fun excursion. After all, if you cannot enjoy one of the very first novels that got a genre started, then you will likely not enjoy anything in the genre at all.
I enjoyed the book. It was a nice change of pace. Detective novels are not typically my fare of choice, but I found this classic to be a fun excursion. After all, if you cannot enjoy one of the very first novels that got a genre started, then you will likely not enjoy anything in the genre at all.
Deliciously "dated"! Unbelievably I haven't seen the movie but it is one of my dad's favorites. In fact, he gave me a copy of it on VHS years ago and I just never found the time to watch it. I thought it would be a nice treat to read (well, listen) to this before watching the movie. This had such an awesome mood to it. If anyone asks the definition of Noir this is what I would point to. Clearly this is the P.I. story that all future P.I. stories were based on. Looking forward to watching the movie now.
It was definitely between 3 and 4 stars for me. I very much enjoyed the title, but felt it to be lacking something - maybe a personal connection to me, since it felt pretty unrealistic in some way. In other ways, it felt more realistic than my own life...so maybe you'll have to read it and see what you think. :)
Found this to be a bit of a chore to read. I found the conclusion very intriguing, but that wasn't enough to make up for my lack of interest throughout. Still, well-written and frequently funny. I suppose this just wasn't "for me."
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Hammett is an amazing writer. I picked this book up after reading about Hammett's life, and how, essentially, he wrote furiously and gained fame fast, but then had writer's block the rest of his life.
This book was great in the sense that every detective novel I've ever read, or movie I've seen (or even Picard's holodeck excursions on Star Trek: The Next Generation) are based on the descriptions Hammett creates here.
I have now read 2 of Hammett's books, and I hope to read more!
This book was great in the sense that every detective novel I've ever read, or movie I've seen (or even Picard's holodeck excursions on Star Trek: The Next Generation) are based on the descriptions Hammett creates here.
I have now read 2 of Hammett's books, and I hope to read more!