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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
You've got to be kidding me: the endlessly complicated whodunnit hinges on one gigantic case of coincidence and mistaken identity? BOOOOOOOOOO.
There were redeeming things about this book, but I unenjoyed reading it too much to focus on them. FINITO!
There were redeeming things about this book, but I unenjoyed reading it too much to focus on them. FINITO!
Why do I read these books? I'm usually so appalled at the brutality of Ellroy's protagonists, and the corruption he reveals in almost every page, that I ask myself repeatedly why I continue to read them. My only answer is that Ellroy writes with such passion and such insight, and so vividly that I am captivated. What will happen, who will die, who will live, who will find redemption, who will find love? Always always a great story. Always intriguing characters. Always the best writing there is. Mr Ellroy, I don't want you to ever stop, even when I say "I can't read this anymore."
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:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Sexual violence, Violence, Blood, Murder
Wrong place at the wrong time. Maybe buy the book next time.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is my third, and I have to say last, Ellroy book. An unnecessarily complicated plot, a falling flat ending and a style of writing that I just can't get through made this a chore to read. I find it difficult to follow what's happening in Ellroy novels. Too many characters (and switching between first, last and nicknames doesn't help matters) and the Tommy gun bursts of short sentences (maybe that style is what appeals to Ellroy fans) constantly pull me into awareness that I am reading a book, rather than just letting me enjoy the story.
It's a tough book and noir as hell. Much, much darker and more intricate than the movie. It's also a dictionary of American racist terms, including a few that would make you blush to hear them aloud, never mind saying them.
The stories compact on one another until the book is nearly illegible at some points, but Ellroy manages to tease the pieces apart at the end and make sense of it all. The plot is an amazing construct.
The stories compact on one another until the book is nearly illegible at some points, but Ellroy manages to tease the pieces apart at the end and make sense of it all. The plot is an amazing construct.