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3.88 AVERAGE
3.88 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
3 1/2 stars. Fast paced, although the dialogue runs on a bit at times which would work better as a movie/screenplay. A product of the 70s, so is very non-PC in parts. Going to watch the movie again, not ready to watch the dentist scene
Nothing about this book would have led me to know that this was written by the same guy who wrote Princess Bride. There is no connection. That said, it was a cool book. Intense and weird at times, it certainly feels like the 70s of grit and pain, vs the disco 70s that is celebrated. The characters aren't all that likeable, but all the same you stay interested in the outcome and the challenges they face.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Goldman's prose is certainly distinctive. He has a knack of slightly blurring the lines between in-story events and narration, and its incredible effective at drawing you in to the minds of the characters. In some cases it feels over the top, as we are bombarded by vitriol when we share the point of view of some more loathsome characters.
Marathon Man is a tense thriller that pulls you along for the ride despite a) there not really even being that much action and b) plot twists that feel almost paint-by-numbers in places; betrayals that were totally inevitable yet still manage to have impact. But rather than feeling stale, it feels archetypical of the clueless-chap-gets-dragged-into-underworld-dealings narrative.
Marathon Man is a tense thriller that pulls you along for the ride despite a) there not really even being that much action and b) plot twists that feel almost paint-by-numbers in places; betrayals that were totally inevitable yet still manage to have impact. But rather than feeling stale, it feels archetypical of the clueless-chap-gets-dragged-into-underworld-dealings narrative.
Story: 4.0 / 10
Characters: 8
Setting: 7.5
Prose: 9
Tags: Academia, espionage, revenge, justice, Nazis
Characters: 8
Setting: 7.5
Prose: 9
Tags: Academia, espionage, revenge, justice, Nazis
Freaking awesome. That's all there is to it. Goldman creates a classic tale of suspense and intrigue filled with Dentist Nazis and crooked spies that keeps you hooked until the end. But more than the intriguing plot, it's the characterization of Babe that makes this novel worth 5 stars. Babe is a completely believable genius narcissist (the best kind right?) who receives his real world education throughout the novel as he learns that the life he has built up since the death of his father was built entirely upon lies.
There are so many wonderfully memorable lines, funny and awesomely vengeful i just had to add them. The line about erasers I think I'll keep for the rest of my days, and Babe's lecture to Szell near the end of the novel is just so fitting. It's the ultimate, "HA! Take that bastard!" lines that you wish you could say to those genuinely evil people you meet in your life (we've all known at least one).
Looking forward to the movie.
There are so many wonderfully memorable lines, funny and awesomely vengeful i just had to add them. The line about erasers I think I'll keep for the rest of my days, and Babe's lecture to Szell near the end of the novel is just so fitting. It's the ultimate, "HA! Take that bastard!" lines that you wish you could say to those genuinely evil people you meet in your life (we've all known at least one).
Looking forward to the movie.
It is so nice when the right book opens at the right time; when you're fidgety and middle-seat suffering on a three hour flight and nothing but a ripping yarn will salve that claustrophobia. Take me away, Calgon Marathon Man!
I knew that Dustin Hoffman starred in the movie adaptation of this novel, but my knowledge of the story ended there. I am a complete babe in the woods when it comes to thrillers - friends familiar with the genre would probably have seen all the twists coming twenty pages ahead - so it was a blast to enjoy the roller coaster ride. Goldman is famous and lauded for his ability to write screenplays, and his prowess for developing rich characters and taut dialogue are well on display here, keeping the action moving at a brisk pace. Recommended for those looking for a fun read between meaty tomes. A literary palate cleanser.
I knew that Dustin Hoffman starred in the movie adaptation of this novel, but my knowledge of the story ended there. I am a complete babe in the woods when it comes to thrillers - friends familiar with the genre would probably have seen all the twists coming twenty pages ahead - so it was a blast to enjoy the roller coaster ride. Goldman is famous and lauded for his ability to write screenplays, and his prowess for developing rich characters and taut dialogue are well on display here, keeping the action moving at a brisk pace. Recommended for those looking for a fun read between meaty tomes. A literary palate cleanser.