lillilah | The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler

Book Commentary: The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin, 1953-11-05
Number of Pages: 320

Summary: A novel about a private detective and several murders.

Thoughts: I often wondered where the idea for the movie "Chinatown" came from. It didn't seem like the few noir books that I had read. It appears that I read "The Big Sleep", but I don't remember it. I loved reading The Maltese Falcon, but it is quite different. Now, I have an answer. The crazy plot of The Long Goodbye feels similar to Chinatown.

The book is probably triggering to anyone who has ever loved an alcoholic or drug addict. That aside, it had a very good pace, very evocative language, and great characters. It was also much bleaker than what I have read by Dashiell Hammett. I am really glad to have read it.

I thought about giving this five stars, but to me, a five star book changes my life. This one was great, but it didn't change my life.

Quotes: "There was a sad fellow over on a bar stool talking to the bartender, who was polishing a glass and listening with that plastic smile people wear when they are trying not to scream."

Other Books: I may reread The Big Sleep. I should also read Farewell, My Lovely.

Rating: 4 of 5 stars