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cricci's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-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
3.75
The first time I read this book I really struggled, and unfortunately the second time I did as well. For me the slow pace was too much. Despite Dashiell Hammett’s precise writing, I found myself practically waving Hammett on trying to tell him, “let’s go, let’s get to the point.” I do appreciate the terse writing, it is not my preference. Therefore, I’ve tried to overlook this in my review.
The characters themselves were unique and each one was well described and thought out. Our main character is jaded detective, Sam Spade. He’s definitely a hardened detective. Not my favorite detective, but I also couldn’t help cheering for him because he’s clever and cunning. While I didn’t love any character (including Sam), I did enjoy Effie Pareen’s character, particularly when she would stand up to Detective Sam Spade. The book is heavily misogynistic, so Effie was sometimes a breath of fresh air from that.
The plot itself was interesting, and for the time, fairly unique.The femme fatale twist at the end was one of the first instances of this. Considering all the misogyny throughout the book, the femme fatale offers a slightly different perspective. . Twists and turns in every chapter keep the reader guessing.
My favorite aspect of the novel was the writing style. I loved the direct writing, filled with detailed descriptions. I could easily picture each scene and can completely understand why this novel has been made into film multiple times. My favorite description is at the beginning when Hammett deceives Sam rolling a cigarette. Hammett spends an entire paragraph describing the details, but from then on, every time Hammett mentions Sam rolling another cigarette, I could easily picture the actions. What a great literary device.
While I slogged through the book, I can appreciate the technique employed and can understand why others would enjoy it immensely. I can also understand why this book was is so important to American Crime Fiction. Overall, I recommend the read for crime fiction and mystery enthusiasts, as well as readers who don’t mind spending time with a slow pace book.
The characters themselves were unique and each one was well described and thought out. Our main character is jaded detective, Sam Spade. He’s definitely a hardened detective. Not my favorite detective, but I also couldn’t help cheering for him because he’s clever and cunning. While I didn’t love any character (including Sam), I did enjoy Effie Pareen’s character, particularly when she would stand up to Detective Sam Spade. The book is heavily misogynistic, so Effie was sometimes a breath of fresh air from that.
The plot itself was interesting, and for the time, fairly unique.
My favorite aspect of the novel was the writing style. I loved the direct writing, filled with detailed descriptions. I could easily picture each scene and can completely understand why this novel has been made into film multiple times. My favorite description is at the beginning when Hammett deceives Sam rolling a cigarette. Hammett spends an entire paragraph describing the details, but from then on, every time Hammett mentions Sam rolling another cigarette, I could easily picture the actions. What a great literary device.
While I slogged through the book, I can appreciate the technique employed and can understand why others would enjoy it immensely. I can also understand why this book was is so important to American Crime Fiction. Overall, I recommend the read for crime fiction and mystery enthusiasts, as well as readers who don’t mind spending time with a slow pace book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny
muffmacguff's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-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
3.0
I liked this well enough! I think the movie is a lot better so it was hard to get past that. Also Hammett’s descriptions of Spade are ridiculous. I’ve never met a person with yellow-gray eyes. Also, of course, deeply homophobic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Homophobia, Misogyny, and Murder
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