The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett
>> Thursday, May 1, 2008
Genre: Mystery
Publication Date: 1930
Pages: 217
Challenges: Decades 08 #6 (1930’s), A-Z Reading #27 (H Author)
No, I haven't seen the movie except for occasional clips here and there. I do plan to get it from the library and read it soon.
Based on the opening paragraph description of someone who 'looked rather pleasantly like a blond Satan", the Sam Spade in my head doesn't look exactly like Humphrey Bogart, but he does have Bogie's voice and mannerisms - it just fits.
This is a story of greed, lies, deception and spare, action packed storytelling. There are twists and turns from the very beginning. Hammett kept the story moody and moving along with well written dialog. While there are detailed descriptions of people and places, it doesn't pad the story at all and just adds to the noir moodiness of 1930 San Francisco.
I love the way Spade lets folks talk themselves into a corner. The habit of rolling a cigarette is always the clue that Sam is thinking and there's either a twist or clue on the way.
I loved this book and am looking forward to watching the movie.
No stars – I couldn’t even finish it
1 star – I didn’t like it but I managed to finish it.
2 stars – It was OK. Not good, but seriously just OK.
3 stars - I liked it. I didn’t think it was great, but I thought it was good entertainment.
4 stars – I really liked it. I really think you might like it too.
5 stars – It was amazing. I’d recommend this to just about anyone.
5 comments:
Sounds fabulous! I love the movie and have always wanted to read this.
I love, love, love this book. It's actually one of the few that I've read more than once. The movie's great, too. Hope you enjoy it!
I read this last summer for Liz' Mystery Challenge. I remember it most for the atmosphere it created; I hope I'm correct in remembering Spade as a quiet guy who was dead on in his assumptions. I know that author Robert Parker (be still my heart) loved Dashiell Hammett's work.
I've had this on my list for ages. I need to get to it.
Nicola: it was like reading an old Saturday afternoon movie :-)
Bookfool: I'm really looking forward to the movie.
Bellezza: Uh Oh - I think I need to add Rober Parker to my TBR list.
Booklogged: you'll like it!
Post a Comment