Back to Chandler again, and his two favourite subjects: booze and broads.
Let’s dodge some bullets and savour some more Chandler style. Been a while. The Little Sister’s in the heading, so let’s let it lead.
By and along the way, one can’t help wondering if the author speaks from personal experience. If so, what a life.
Continue reading The Little Sister by Raymond Chandler (1949)No, no, no – wait, wait, wait!
Just because you think you might’ve had enough Chandler doesn’t mean you’re not wrong.
Picture this. A beauty so elegant, so divine, she renders her beholder invisible.
The old bar waiter came drifting by and glanced softly at my weak Scotch and water. I shook my head and he bobbed his white thatch, and right then a dream walked in.
Continue reading The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler (1953)Okay, okay – last Chandler nibble for a bit. The indignity of being shot at.
Fancy a quick one?
Here’s the maestro on suspense – and its release.
Continue reading Finger Man by Raymond Chandler (1950)
Sticking with Chandler’s style for a few short posts.
Here’s the story’s hero trying to be tough and in control but it not working very well. One’s got to smile.
Continue reading Pearls are a Nuisance by Raymond Chandler (1950)If you prodded me in the chest and said, ‘Off the top of your balding head, name a writer that makes you frisky when it comes to style.’
I’d say, ‘Trick of the light. Chandler.’
The magical thing about Chandler’s style is you can’t really unpick how he does it. Gotta keep trying, though.
There are some obvious touches like word economy and timing, but you still can’t explain how that rabbit – or the smile on your face – came to be there.
I think I might’ve wised up to a couple of wee wows, though. So turn up your collar, glance over your shoulder, and lean in…
Continue reading The Lady in the Lake by Raymond Chandler (1944)
Book Bore. 