Rating: 
Summary: The Best Known Raymond Chandler Book
Review: Even if you know the story inside out, you'll love the audio book. Elliott Gould is in superb voice, very cool, very deep, exactly like you'd imagine Phillip Marlowe's to be.
Rating: 
Summary: Get it straight, folks!
Review: Marlowe was 33 in THE BIG SLEEP, not 38. Trivial, I know, but let's get it straight for the sake of accuracy. In THE LONG GOODBYE he was 42, so Chandler aged him as the series developed. Having said that, I'd rate THE BIG SLEEP as one terrific first novel--but THE LONG GOODBYE was Chandler's masterwork.
Rating:
Summary: The epitome of noir crime fiction
Review: One of the more downtrodden areas of literary fiction is crime stories - whether as detective stories or as thrillers. That's unfortunate because it also happens to be one of the more pleasant fields to read in merely for enjoyment and it includes some very fine writers - like Raymond Chandler, for instance. This particular work is his best known, though not necessarily his best (I like "Fairwell, My Lovely" better - and his short stories are wonderful). His writing is marked by clarity of vision - as to external matters - and confusion of vision - as to morality. In other words, his writing is sharp, direct and forceful: descriptive enough to give you almost a taste in your mouth or a smell lingering in the air, but leaving enough details to you to allow you to see it clearly and sharply in your mind. As to morality, it's noir fiction. In fact, it's prototypical noir. It becomes difficult as the story progresses to determine who the bad guy and who the good guy is. That moral uncertainty is a problem - both for author and reader - but I found that it forced me to make a judgment - and that process was useful. Life can be grey and messy - and this book makes that abundantly clear. - Kelly Whiting
Rating:
Summary: VINTAGE CRIME FICTION DOESN'T GET ANY BETTER
Review: 'Nuff said. Raymond Chandler was at the top of his form (in my opinion) when he penned this tale. While the Phillip Marlowe tales that followed were wonderfully exquisite as well, they all paled in comparison to the original. Should be on the top 100 books to read in your lifetime.
Rating:
Summary: The Best American Scam
Review: Chandler brilliantly protrayed American slang and made himself a legend. His understanding and assimilation of 1930's American culture is astounding. Master of simile, lord of metaphor. Read this. You'll be a better person for it.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Introduction to Chandler
Review: After seeing a revival of the film based on this book, I was so impressed I decided to check out the original. Not quite sure what to expect, I began reading one rainy Sunday afternoon, and had finished the book entirely by Wednesday. For me, that's a record. The novel is such a page-turner! It's rare for a story told in the first person to not seem slightly sticky (speaking personally) but this is an exception. But then this is an exceptional read. How Chandler manages to avoid being hackneyed and trite while being both cynical and knowing I can only marvel at.Despite it's noir sensibilities, at it's (and, I think, Chandler's) core is a recognition of the power in basic human spirit, and that while we are all struggling to make our way in a much-less than perfect world, we are all trying to evolve ourselves into something better. But it's not laid on with a trowel and it's never preached. The reader is invited to bring something of his or her strength, hope and experiences to the narrative. If you are world-weary and pessimistic, Marlowe shows than beneath the dross, there's a little (a very little) decency out there. If you are an incurable Pollyanna, then the evil that men (and women) do in their misguided exploitation of others (an the reasons for it) are there for you to see. Remarkable.
Rating: 
Summary: Yes, it's noir.
Review: I'm not into detective stories, and I had never read Chandler before this; neither have I seen the movie. So, I guess my opinion could be seen as quite objective. Did I like it? Why not - it had a certain sense of style, a certain fascination, present in every comment by every character. As it comes to dialogue, Chandler is a master. That's easy to admit. That much for the good sides; there were weak points too. Most of all Chandler's descriptions seemed to me somewhat pretentious and heavy. Maybe that's just time doing its tricks on us mortals. Also, the plot could've been more gripping. When I compare The Big Sleep to James Ellroy's great modern detective novels, also set in the old L.A., I must say that Ellroy's incredibly sophisticated plots always make me stay away till late night. The same can't be said of this book. But I'm pretty satisfied anyway, it is very rare that 'a classic' turns out to be even this good.
Rating: 
Summary: Not to good
Review: I thought the first parts of the book and until about 60 pages were left it was kind of confusing and boring. Then the story heats up a little, but the ending sucks. Hey, try it for yourself you might like it.
Rating:
Summary: A good crime story.
Review: I found the book to be confusing at times because of all the characters. Other than that I definitly found the book to be an enjoyable four star read. I will read more of Raymond Chandler!
Rating:
Summary: Raymond Chandler: The King
Review: No one living or dead can write like Raymond Chandler. The "Big Sleep" is one of is best. Through his use of similes, descriptions, analogies he transports you to another era. The detective he fashions is more than believable. I have read and continue to reread all of his books.It's like time travel for $7.95. Unfortunately, no movie adaption has ever done them justice, Bogie's version of the Big Sleep came close, but was too poorly edited. Enjoy.
|
