This gets five stars as it is a piece of literature that the world
should not be able to survive without. Owners of the "Philip Marlowe
Guide to Life" will know that about 60% of all the quotes in the book
come from "The Long Goodbye", for it is without doubt littered with
artistic and memorable prose.
However, I feel I should highlight
that I do not rate this book as highly as all of Chandler's other works
(though none would be worth anything less than 5 stars!).
"People
assume that more pages means more gold" (or words to that effect) is a
statement made by Roger Wade an author within the story. I think this
reflects Chandler's views on his writing and it certainly reflects my
opinions. The Long Goodbye made me miss the leaner, meaner, slick story
telling of his other books. The characters were great but too
introverted and thoughtful. In the other works Chandler painted a vivid
picture of the ultimate PI through Marlowe's actions rather than
introspection.
But as is always the case, the select language and
Marlowisms always make me smile uncontrollably when I once again pick
up this legendary text.
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