Reviews tagging 'Toxic relationship'

The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain

9 reviews

bekkysaurus_rex's review against another edition

dark reflective 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

1.25

When I picked up this book, I read the blurb and the review stating it was "Explosively Violent" and "Shocking for its time", and8 was so excited to read it. That excitement was short lived.

This classic centres around Frank, a drifter, and morally grey character, who comes upon a gas station and falls(Lusts for is a more fitting word) for the wife of the station owner. A twisted love affair ensues and leads the characters to plotting the murder of the station owner.

By the end of this, thankfully short, book, I saw what the author was trying to do and the message they were trying to send, but it was not executed well. It was also hard to look over the misogynistic narrative and racist comments made in the book. I also struggle to understand how this book was "explosive" and "erotic and violent" even for the time it was released. That's what disappointed me the most. The most violent scene in this book was when the main character hit a character over the head with a glass bottle. My description is basically how it was described in the book, there was no graphic violence at all, very underwhelming. Honestly, the toxic sexual relationship that tip toed on the lines of domestic abuse was the only "shocking" or uncomfortable part of this book.

Hence, due to the "explosive" disappointment that this book was,  I was just glad that it was as short as it was. 

---

Content Warnings

Minor: Toxic relationship and Violence

foureyebooks's review against another edition

dark mysterious sad fast-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

4.0

Dive into the captivating world of "The Postman Always Rings Twice" by James M. Cain! 📚✨ Flawed characters, desperate for escape, set the stage in a gritty atmosphere that keeps you hooked. Stanley Tucci's narration adds a compelling layer, intensifying the raw emotions and tension. #BookRecommendation #JamesMCain #StanleyTucciNarration #GrittyReads #AudiobookJourney #PageTurner 🎧

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Car accident, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Domestic abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Pregnancy, and Murder

e_r_q's review against another edition

dark 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

1.5

The Postman Always Rings Twice is famous for being "scandalous". However its famed violence is laughably juvenile, and its "iconic" eroticism is clunky and awkward. Even worse, the writing is bland, the characters are poorly written and dislikeable, and in the end, the actual plot feels really inconsequential. Also, the crude objectification of its female characters makes it evidently clear that this novella was written by a man.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Murder, Car accident, Death, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexism, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, and Violence

Minor: Rape and Sexual assault

gillian_aftanas's review against another edition

challenging dark sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Alcohol, Blood, Pregnancy, Racism, Toxic relationship, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Xenophobia, Car accident, Infidelity, and Racial slurs

Moderate: Sexism and Misogyny

Minor: Animal death, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Animal cruelty, and Death of parent

jolyon_l's review against another edition

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

1.5

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Racism, Xenophobia, Violence, Toxic relationship, Physical abuse, and Domestic abuse

cepbreed's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Wow. I know now why they hail Cain as one of the authors of the early 1900s that was so ahead of his time.  This book reads like it was written yesterday, the action, the mystery, the eroticism all satisfy my 21st century brain which is something I didn’t think I’d ever find in a book nearing its 90th anniversary. This book is unapologetic it’s it’s graphic depictions of violence and sex, and the two as twisted sisters. I now want them to readapt this into film again. The book reads like a movie, as my professor put it there are 3 shots Cain sets up that keeps you engaged just like you would be if you were watching the action unfold in front of you. This book is perverted, but in a good way!

Songs:

• Off to the Races - Lana Del Rey  
• Ultraviolence - Lana Del Rey

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence, Toxic relationship, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexual content, Domestic abuse, Blood, Car accident, Death, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, and Sexism

Moderate: Miscarriage, Medical content, and Alcohol

Minor: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, and Gun violence

poirot's review against another edition

dark tense 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

2.75

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Xenophobia, Murder, Death, Car accident, and Violence

Moderate: Injury/Injury detail and Toxic relationship

Minor: Animal death

exlibrissum's review against another edition

dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Alcohol, Blood, Car accident, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Murder, Racism, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Xenophobia

Moderate: Animal cruelty, Pregnancy, Sexual content, and Sexual assault

Minor: Miscarriage

areadingstan's review against another edition

dark mysterious 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

1.0

Easiest 1 star I’ve ever given to be honest. I had this book on my shelf because it was on one of my university modules (though I’d never read it properly). From the start it was just offensive in many ways, clearly a product of its time, but I found myself really uncomfortable when reading it. It was also really unrealistic for a crime novel, though I guess it didn’t have a cliched ending. If you like classic crime and the ‘femme fatale’ character you might enjoy it. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Car accident, Death, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Sexism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Violence