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austinburns's review against another edition
3.0
hard not to picture travolta and russo. it was nice reading a leonard book where no one is younger than forty.
59caron95's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sbaunsgard's review against another edition
3.0
Leonard's novel about a loan shark/enforcer trying to break into Hollywood. The dialogue is good, but the writing and rewriting of the script, which is central to the book, made everything feel really indirect and low stakes. I guess it is also meant to be funny, but I didn't laugh at all. I have read and enjoyed at least one book by Leonard, but this one was not for me
iainkelly_writing's review against another edition
5.0
A great book. Having been a fan of the film before coming to the book, I was surprised how closely it stuck to the book, with a lot of the same scenes and dialogue. Chili Palmer is a great character, and a joy to read. Read the Folio Society edition.
colt's review against another edition
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
martyfried's review against another edition
5.0
A fun book, and if I remember correctly, a fun movie. I didn't remember the details of the movie, only that I liked it, and it had a great cast of characters. I like John Travolta's movies, in spite of his Scientology affiliation. I'm not the type of person to turn against someone because of their beliefs unless I know their beliefs have harmed others. I'm not much good at supporting the cancel culture that is so popular on social media. Anyway, I think of Travolta in the book, which probably helped make it better.
The dialog is fast and furious, humorous, and clever. I think that's one of Elmore Leonard's strong points. But the ending was a little strange and a bit confusing. I probably didn't quite understand it as well as I should.
The dialog is fast and furious, humorous, and clever. I think that's one of Elmore Leonard's strong points. But the ending was a little strange and a bit confusing. I probably didn't quite understand it as well as I should.
woltram's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
luana420's review against another edition
5.0
I had never seen the movie, so it’s kinda funny that I go into this one not knowing anything about it besides “Hollywood gangsters maybe?” It’s actually great and certainly deservedly one of the more famous Leonard stories; the character work is wonderful, the plot is twisty without becoming labyrinthine, and the conflict is straightforward and effective. Leonard’s frustration with Hollywood is apparent in this, and literally every non-woman affiliated with Tinseltown is a big fucking baby here. I’m quite curious about the movie now!