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3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
I could have done without the plethora of homophobic/anit-gay slurs throughout the novel, though at the same time I do realize and understand that it's the sort of language that would have been accepted and commonly used during the time which the novel takes place. Other than that I though it was a well written piece of neo-noir/historical fiction depicting Ellroy's own fictional recount of the investigation into the very real, unsolved murder of Elizabeth Short that still, almost 70 years later, haunts many.
This is an ugly, dark book. This book is full of vile, broken, racist, and misanthropic men, and these are the good guys. This LA is a war zone after the war, and it’s not just cops against perps; it’s cops against civilians; cops against victims; and cops against cops. Ellroy’s language is taut and jagged, coated in blood and sinew. If you can imagine pulp fiction in the 30’s and 40’s but with no filter, no censorship, no innuendo - it’s all there on the page. I found it hard to get through at times but it wouldn’t let me go. I started slow but after a point I lead footed it to the bitter, bitter end.
4.0⭐ Hard-boiled Pulp Noire Delight
(or)
Historical Fiction: Easy On The History, Heavy On The Fiction.
**No Spoilers**
I read this via audio, another great random last-minute buy (Stephen Hoye is incredible). I’ve always wanted to read something by James Ellroy, and now I have a notch on my belt. I tried to read Blood’s A Rover from the American Tabloid series, and I just couldn’t get past the telegrammatic language. Blood’s A Rover is no place to start, by the way, that had been another random purchase, and I thought it was a stand-alone story at the time. It’s book three, so take note if you’re on an Ellroy binge.
Black Dahlia has some of that quick language, it drops a lot of connecting words, but it wasn’t as choppy and disconnected as Blood’s. For me, this read was just a little more accessible. The prose is constantly driving. It doesn’t linger, and if there’s poetry at all, it’s in the action. The language serves the story so much, it’s just brilliant. I would liken it to a painter choosing pastels to paint a spring scenery. The cut up sentences are akin to the brevity of a police report. The language is pulp noire. It’s unfortunate that I struggle to read it, because it’s damn good. Maybe I can adapt with some more exposure.
Anyway, this isn’t the book to read if you want to know anything true about the Elizabeth Short murder. Ellroy has a disclaimer about this, but it doesn’t come until the end of the novel, so if you’re looking for a riveting take on true events, keep looking. This is just dark fun. And if the writers of L.A. Noire weren’t at least a little inspired by this novel, I’ll eat my felt Trilby.
At the end of the book, Ellroy gives a personal take on his own work, tying the Dahlia case to his family, history, upbringing, and even his behavioral tendencies. I found the bit a little confusing. I didn’t understand it enough to speak on it, but the bit came with high praise for the film, even highlighting the actors by name. Anyone else find that weird, given the film’s dismal rating? Would any reader out there vouch for it?
After I read a book, I look for it’s film adaptation. I watched the Dahlia trailer and it was packed with harsh feedback. I checked other review sites, and it seems pretty unanimous: the movie was a dull, poorly performed mess. Not my opinion, yours. I haven’t seen it yet, and now I probably wont. I just found it so strange given Ellroy’s mighty speech about it. Anyone with a more literate mind agree with him?
Anyway, this a great gruesome book, and if you love pulp, crime, and sex, you’re in for a good time.
- 👠 🚬 ☎️🚨
(or)
Historical Fiction: Easy On The History, Heavy On The Fiction.
**No Spoilers**
I read this via audio, another great random last-minute buy (Stephen Hoye is incredible). I’ve always wanted to read something by James Ellroy, and now I have a notch on my belt. I tried to read Blood’s A Rover from the American Tabloid series, and I just couldn’t get past the telegrammatic language. Blood’s A Rover is no place to start, by the way, that had been another random purchase, and I thought it was a stand-alone story at the time. It’s book three, so take note if you’re on an Ellroy binge.
Black Dahlia has some of that quick language, it drops a lot of connecting words, but it wasn’t as choppy and disconnected as Blood’s. For me, this read was just a little more accessible. The prose is constantly driving. It doesn’t linger, and if there’s poetry at all, it’s in the action. The language serves the story so much, it’s just brilliant. I would liken it to a painter choosing pastels to paint a spring scenery. The cut up sentences are akin to the brevity of a police report. The language is pulp noire. It’s unfortunate that I struggle to read it, because it’s damn good. Maybe I can adapt with some more exposure.
Anyway, this isn’t the book to read if you want to know anything true about the Elizabeth Short murder. Ellroy has a disclaimer about this, but it doesn’t come until the end of the novel, so if you’re looking for a riveting take on true events, keep looking. This is just dark fun. And if the writers of L.A. Noire weren’t at least a little inspired by this novel, I’ll eat my felt Trilby.
At the end of the book, Ellroy gives a personal take on his own work, tying the Dahlia case to his family, history, upbringing, and even his behavioral tendencies. I found the bit a little confusing. I didn’t understand it enough to speak on it, but the bit came with high praise for the film, even highlighting the actors by name. Anyone else find that weird, given the film’s dismal rating? Would any reader out there vouch for it?
After I read a book, I look for it’s film adaptation. I watched the Dahlia trailer and it was packed with harsh feedback. I checked other review sites, and it seems pretty unanimous: the movie was a dull, poorly performed mess. Not my opinion, yours. I haven’t seen it yet, and now I probably wont. I just found it so strange given Ellroy’s mighty speech about it. Anyone with a more literate mind agree with him?
Anyway, this a great gruesome book, and if you love pulp, crime, and sex, you’re in for a good time.
- 👠 🚬 ☎️🚨
Great mystery but a surprising amount of swearing that I found unexpected. Very gory and true to form - great story!
Excelente! asi me gustan los libros, podridos de principio a fin!
dark
mysterious
slow-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
Disturbing dirty as hell cops. Utter misogyny women sanctified in their deaths loved it.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
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:
Complicated