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A review by orinthebard
The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett
dark
mysterious
medium-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
2.5
Read this in preparation for writing my own 1920s noir detective novel and man did it age badly. A paragon of toxic masculinity to almost the point of satire. Sam Spade's need to physically and mentally best every man he comes in contact with is almost homoerotic. Of course he also manhandles every woman he comes in contact with, leaning on them and calling them "angel" while undercutting their intelligence. I feel like I understand the mindset of creepy old men now. This is a brutal and lonely way to live.
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
Moderate: Violence, Child abuse, Murder, and Racism
Minor: Sexual harassment