Postman Always Rings Twice
James M. Cain
First published in 1934, and caused scandal with its explosive mix of violence and sex. It's the torrid story of Frank Chambers, the amoral drifter, Cora, the sullen and brooding wife, and Nick Papadakis, the amiable but inconvenient husband.
Posted by SoulCircus (1 year ago ) Couldn't agree more regarding Double Indemnity - Cain's novel, screenplay by Raymond Chandler, directed by Billy Wilder, what more could you ask for?
And if you're into Cain, it's not a big step to Jim Thompson, James Crumley, and John D.Macdonald, who all trod in his footsteps and wrote some wonderful novels.
Posted by drew_gummerson@abctales.com (1 year ago ) Absolutely. This is a fine fine book. For any writer obsessed with bells and whistles this is a perfect example of how to tell a simple story. It's perfect and the psychology is spot on. You kill someone, but what next? It eats you up.
Fabulous.
And Mildred Pierce is great too. And Double Indemnity. (These are brilliant films too.)
Posted by SoulCircus (1 year ago ) One of the classic American crime novels, and nearly 75 years old. All the hallmarks are there - the flawed hero, his intoxicating lover, violent crooks and crackling dark undercurrents. The ending brought a lump to my throat the first time I read this book many years ago, and still does today. Set the standard for the rest to follow.
No groups are currently reading this book.
I've read all of Pauline Rowson's books... said tego