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3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
Mostly getting through this book was a chore; a forced tour through human depravity when I thought it would be a pleasure cruise through classic noir. And all from a distinctly straight male chauvinist angle (yeah, you're really ugly and relentlessly average, but an extremely beautiful heiress can't stop bonking you and you always "come together." Meh.)
Admittedly, it got better the further I read, but having the first 71 pages solely describing two ex-boxer cops? Absolutely ridiculous. The beginning reeks of racial slurs written by a white man in the 80s, and it instantly put a sour taste in my mouth.
It takes forever for The Black Dahlia to even be discussed, and even longer before you’re given any real information. The second half is the better portion of the book, but not everyone will even reach that point to get any answers.
It takes forever for The Black Dahlia to even be discussed, and even longer before you’re given any real information. The second half is the better portion of the book, but not everyone will even reach that point to get any answers.
My review can be found here:
http://www.bookbunnys.com/2013/02/19/book-review-the-black-dahlia-james-ellroy/
http://www.bookbunnys.com/2013/02/19/book-review-the-black-dahlia-james-ellroy/
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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:
Complicated
I have complicated feelings on this one. On the one hand, this novel is a fascinating portrait of obsession and ego. The way that Bucky (and, to a lesser degree, Lee) projects so much upon The Black Dahlia's murder and his quest to solve it reflects his lack of control over other areas of his life. The twists and conclusion are also pretty satisfying.
On the other hand, I really wish Ellroy had gone with a different name here since so much of the crime and Elizabeth Short's life are woefully mischaracterized here. The emphasis on her sex life in particular made me uncomfortable, especially as The Black Dahlia Avenger by Steve Hodel states that there is no evidence for the claims that Short was a prostitute or even all that sexually active. I also get the verisimilitude angle with the racist dialogue since it is portraying a certain time in history and was written decades ago, but I want to wash my eyes after reading that many slurs.
On the other hand, I really wish Ellroy had gone with a different name here since so much of the crime and Elizabeth Short's life are woefully mischaracterized here. The emphasis on her sex life in particular made me uncomfortable, especially as The Black Dahlia Avenger by Steve Hodel states that there is no evidence for the claims that Short was a prostitute or even all that sexually active. I also get the verisimilitude angle with the racist dialogue since it is portraying a certain time in history and was written decades ago, but I want to wash my eyes after reading that many slurs.
Oooo I hate that I didn’t like this. The opening I felt wasn’t needed. Maybe start with the case leading them to find the other cops at this case and then kinda throw in a boxing match after they are off duty.
I found this hard to get into which was surprising to me because I though I would love this. I didn’t care for the characters and found it hard to relate to any of them. I also wanted a little more when it came to the case of Elizabeth. I think the DA who tries to gain popularity by exploiting her murder is awful as well.
I found this hard to get into which was surprising to me because I though I would love this. I didn’t care for the characters and found it hard to relate to any of them. I also wanted a little more when it came to the case of Elizabeth. I think the DA who tries to gain popularity by exploiting her murder is awful as well.
Just when you think the twists and turns have leveled off a new one punches you in the face. Dark and twisted crime noir.
3.5 stars. Got lost in characters/plots half a dozen times, but powered through to a satisfying conclusion.