"The Long Goodbye" by Raymond Chandler - Book Review
Summary
"ONE OF TIME MAGAZINE'S 100 BEST MYSTERY AND THRILLER BOOKS OF ALL TIME - The renowned novel from crime fiction master Raymond Chandler, with the "quintessential urban private eye" (Los Angeles Times), Philip Marlowe - Featuring the iconic character that inspired the film Marlowe, starring Liam Neeson.
In noir master Raymond Chandler's The Long Goodbye, Philip Marlowe befriends a down on his luck war veteran with the scars to prove it. Then he finds out that Terry Lennox has a very wealthy nymphomaniac wife, whom he divorced and remarried and who ends up dead. And now Lennox is on the lam and the cops and a crazy gangster are after Marlowe."
Review
Although this is the sixth book of Philip Marlowe's series, you can read it as a standalone story. It also had a profound impact on its genre, winning an award in 1955. I was never so much into detective novels, but this was a very smooth and well-crafted ride. The writing is skilful enough to immerse you in the cynical atmosphere of the 1950s, while also being concise, allowing the story to progress quickly. The great majority of the characters, including the main one, are not likeable, but I believe this was an effective stylistic choice for the scepticism regarding society and literature in the book. The main mystery can be solved halfway through, but following the characters is such a delight that the eventual reveal becomes secondary. Even as someone who isn’t an expert in detective stories, I would recommend this enthralling tale of murder to anyone with even a slight interest in the genre.
Key Takeaways
- Fluid and enjoyable writing
- Fast-paced detective novel with interesting characters
- A hallmark of the genre that transports you to the atmosphere of the 50s
Who Should Read This
Readers looking for an enjoyable murder mystery and a great book to get into the genre.
Favourite Quotes
"In my business there's a time to ask questions and a time to let your man simmer until he boils over."
""Alcohol is like love," he said. "The first kiss is magic, the second is intimate, the third is routine. After that you take the girl's dothes off.""
"Most people go through life using up half their energy trying to protect a dignity they never had."
"What the hell are you praying to, you fool? If a well man prays, that's faith. A sick man prays and he is just scared."
"He was of no real importance, of course. Just a human being with blood and a brain and emotions."
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)