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3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Didn't like this book. Found the author's writing dry and boring. Couldn't keep characters straight because my mind was wondering.
I knew nothing of the story behind The Black Dahlia until told by a colleague who saw me reading it at work. (it was lunch time ok, well almost). I don't normally like reading true crimes but knowing that this book had a basis in truth was intriguing.
I've seen reviews which felt the start was too slow but I enjoyed the lead up to the actual murder where the characters were developed and relationships were formed. I'm glad Ellroy took the time to do this before things started spiralling out of control. The book becomes more and more chaotic as the twists and turns are revealed.
I've seen reviews which felt the start was too slow but I enjoyed the lead up to the actual murder where the characters were developed and relationships were formed. I'm glad Ellroy took the time to do this before things started spiralling out of control. The book becomes more and more chaotic as the twists and turns are revealed.
Really creepy, haven't seen the movie but I can totally see Scarlett playing the lead chick in it.
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Hate crime, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Murder, Lesbophobia, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Suicide, Vomit, War
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
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
dark
tense
fast-paced
6.1. 2019
From 2 stars to 4 stars.
You know, sometimes you read a book and you either dislike it, hate it, or never finish it, but then later it starts to slowly tickle the back of your brain until you give up and decide to re-read it someday. I think in the case of The Black Dahlia it was wrong timing that made it very underwhelming. Having developed an eternal love for film noir after that (and because this time I read it in English), I got what Ellroy was trying to do.
Did I enjoy it? Well, in order for me to say that, you have to understand that in this context "enjoyment" has a broader scope. I'm not sure when was the first time I heard about Elizabeth Short, but the case is one of the most haunting unsolved murders. Short's story is the ultimate Tinseltown mystery that doesn't just involve her, but everything else that comes with it (I'm not even going to start on the Hodel creep, but the miniseries I Am the Night delves into that).
Short, however, isn't as front and center in The Black Dahlia as you might think. She haunts in the background and her murder is the catalyst for all the craziness, but the main focus is on the obsessions and troubles of the two protagonists and the corrupt LAPD in general. Ellroy hacks at it with force, and although he manages to offer some surprises at the end that fit neatly into the crime/mystery genre, the solution to the mystery doesn't necessarily satisfy in the conventional sense. The people involved with the case have one way or another ruined themselves or each other. "Emptiness" is the word that comes to mind from the ending.
So, I enjoyed The Black Dahlia for all the depressing cynicism I have come to expect from film noir, not because it's a straightforward detective story with a happy ending. Instead of a drizzle, it's a downpour and a punch in the face. The walk through gutters might make some people uncomfortable, but I adore how it doesn't make any concessions. It is what it is, and if you don't like that, it doesn't give a fuck.
From 2 stars to 4 stars.
You know, sometimes you read a book and you either dislike it, hate it, or never finish it, but then later it starts to slowly tickle the back of your brain until you give up and decide to re-read it someday. I think in the case of The Black Dahlia it was wrong timing that made it very underwhelming. Having developed an eternal love for film noir after that (and because this time I read it in English), I got what Ellroy was trying to do.
Did I enjoy it? Well, in order for me to say that, you have to understand that in this context "enjoyment" has a broader scope. I'm not sure when was the first time I heard about Elizabeth Short, but the case is one of the most haunting unsolved murders. Short's story is the ultimate Tinseltown mystery that doesn't just involve her, but everything else that comes with it (I'm not even going to start on the Hodel creep, but the miniseries I Am the Night delves into that).
Short, however, isn't as front and center in The Black Dahlia as you might think. She haunts in the background and her murder is the catalyst for all the craziness, but the main focus is on the obsessions and troubles of the two protagonists and the corrupt LAPD in general. Ellroy hacks at it with force, and although he manages to offer some surprises at the end that fit neatly into the crime/mystery genre, the solution to the mystery doesn't necessarily satisfy in the conventional sense. The people involved with the case have one way or another ruined themselves or each other. "Emptiness" is the word that comes to mind from the ending.
So, I enjoyed The Black Dahlia for all the depressing cynicism I have come to expect from film noir, not because it's a straightforward detective story with a happy ending. Instead of a drizzle, it's a downpour and a punch in the face. The walk through gutters might make some people uncomfortable, but I adore how it doesn't make any concessions. It is what it is, and if you don't like that, it doesn't give a fuck.
Another book that I've been wanting to read for years, The Black Dahlia does not disappoint. Even though it was written in 1987, Ellroy's vocabulary is transcendental, taking you to a noir pastiche of an American era well-known for its seedy doings. It's not an easy read by any means, but if you stick with it, you'll find yourself visualising every single scene: a massive accomplishment.
Ellroy's plotting is also top-notch, and it doesn't hurt that he's using one of the biggest mysteries in American history. Bucky is easy to relate to, when he falls, the reader falls with him, and when he finally cracks his case, one's left with the same ashen taste in his mouth.
If you're like me, yet to read this book, do it as soon as you can. I cannot recommend it enough.
Ellroy's plotting is also top-notch, and it doesn't hurt that he's using one of the biggest mysteries in American history. Bucky is easy to relate to, when he falls, the reader falls with him, and when he finally cracks his case, one's left with the same ashen taste in his mouth.
If you're like me, yet to read this book, do it as soon as you can. I cannot recommend it enough.