I had hoped that by reading Raymond Chandler once more, I might begin to understand the plots of his books. But this time round I realise that it doesn't matter if I don't have a clue about the doubloon plot in The High Window as long as I enjoy the ride. The writing is so good, the style is so pared, the settings are so cinematic that I can see it all in my imagination but just can't quite work out who killed whom and why and in what order. A true mystery.
Chandler on the beach. Perfect.
Posted by: Rebecca | August 25, 2009 at 14:26
But do you really want to know? I love the thrill of trying to work it all out but when I (rarely) do figure it out it always takes me out of the book a little too much.
You've inspired me to try Chandler, an author I've never read. Thanks :)
Posted by: Sharon | August 25, 2009 at 14:29
Oooh, that sounds good. I also like the write up "The Children's Book" gets on Amazon x
Posted by: lucy | August 25, 2009 at 16:07
I have just read a book like that. Even my book club couldn't figure out the plot. I suppose we should hold back on the wine in future! Ax
Posted by: little pink room | August 25, 2009 at 17:08
I love your description of the book it makes me want to go and purchase my own copy I love mysteries, and the more of a mystery the better
Posted by: Julie | August 25, 2009 at 17:23
Yes, Chandler can do that to you... He also used to chop up old short stories and rework them into novels, so things can get very mixed up. His descriptions of the country around LA can be beautiful!
Posted by: Mary de B | August 26, 2009 at 12:24
I love Raymond Chandler so much! I read his books for the first time in my late teens - dog eared copies my grandmother had at her house! Many years later I have my own set and they have been read, and re-read, and re-read and loaned out to Chandler virgins! I never get tired of them, even when I know what is going to happen. Whenever I pick up one of his books I am immediately 'there' and the whole plot enfolds vivually in my imagination as I'm reading! My favourite is probably 'The Big Sleep'. After seeing your post though Jane it may be time to re-visit 'The High Window' - haven't read that one for a while.
Posted by: Rhi | August 26, 2009 at 16:30
There's a famous anecdote about the filming of The Big Sleep: the director was having a hard time figuring out the plot and called in Raymond Chandler who admitted that he couldn't answer the questions because he didn't know what was going on either. Even it is apocryphal, it is true :)
Posted by: Kathleen | August 26, 2009 at 16:46
I cannot get enough of Chandler, but you're definitely right -- he'll never give you the conclusion that you get with an Agatha Christie book, with each and every thread accounted for; it's much more about atmosphere, character and his utterly one-of-a-kind use of language.
Posted by: Fionnuala | August 26, 2009 at 19:02
Ooo, sounds interesting... not that I have time to read mystery books these days, but someday they'll grow up, right?
Posted by: ali | August 26, 2009 at 19:48
Chandler is great! I've also heard Kathleen's anecdote. Dashiell Hammett is wonderful too.
Posted by: knittingoutloud | August 26, 2009 at 23:58
Hey,
Any good GCSE results in the Brocket household?
Posted by: Lesley M | August 28, 2009 at 15:17