Because the Criterion Channel’s streaming of this film adaptation ended at the end of July, I recently read the novel. (Interestingly, the film was made in Argentina, mainly because Hollywood wanted to take the race element out. Wright understandably refused.) To be honest, I almost stopped reading due to some lurid, pulpy elements and the ordeal the protagonist would face
The book follows Bigger Thomas, a young, poor black man who gets a job as a chauffeur for a wealthy, white family. In a lot of ways the novel is more of psychological examination of a certain type of individual and this relates to larger social issues. Like some of Spike Lee’s films, the story and, to some degree, characters seem like means to an end.
Here are a few random comments:
The examination of the Bigger’s inner thoughts and feelings is probably the most interesting and best parts of the novel for me. This made me skeptical of any film adaptation, although in other respects the material seemed well-suited for film noir. Actually, a graphic novel, with an artist like Frank Miller, might be a really good medium for the novel.
I also like the speeches near the end, which was my second favorite part of the novel. Ultimately, I don’t think I agree or completely understand all of Wright’s ideas and positions, but they were worth encountering.
The prose was just OK, and it was another thing that almost turned me away from the novel. My sense is that Wright’s prose improves when he delves into Bigger’s inner world, although at times it feels a little bombastic.
The Atlantic listed this as one of the great American novels. Is that it a worthy pick? I’m not sure, but I think it’s worth reading. Also, even if it’s not worthy of the American canon, it’s a good book for Americans to discuss, maybe especially in the present moment.
Apparently there is a Indigenous Canadian tribe that has a tradition of picking blueberries in Maine during the summer. This book follows a family that does that. Over the course of time, two of the family members become separated from the family, and the book follows these two characters and their family.
I don’t have a lot to say, except I enjoyed the storytelling, and I really liked some of the more poignant moments.
Serenade by James M. Cain
Cain is famous for The Postman Always Rings Twice and Double Indemnity and Mildred Pierce–all three made into movies. I read Pierce and really liked the writing and the story overall. I had never heard of Serenade, knew nothing about it, but decided to give it chance.
Cain’s wiki page credits him as the first author to utilize that first person narration style in hard-boiled detective fiction. If you’re like me, you’re most familiar with the parodies of this style, but in this book, it’s authentic and doesn’t have that effect. Right away, I loved it, and I was hooked.
The story begins in a Mexican bar, with an American man watching a beautiful woman walk into a bar. He’s smitten, but she sidles over to a bullfighter. Boldly, he goes over them, and eventually finds wins her over. When they talk, they begin a strange discussion–namely a plan to start a brothel in Acalpulco. He throws in some ideas and they both decide to be partners
A lot of things happen from there, which I won’t get into. I will say that I found three quarters of the book enjoyable, but then the novel takes a really sharp left turn and ends in a disappointing, and odd (based on where the book started) way. I mentioned some of Cain’s novels that became movies. I believe this one did, too, although I have never seen it. In any event, this would have been a really good vehicle for Pedro Almodovar.
I was almost going to recommend this to Larri, but there’s no way I can do that now.
Native Son by Richard Wright
Because the Criterion Channel’s streaming of this film adaptation ended at the end of July, I recently read the novel. (Interestingly, the film was made in Argentina, mainly because Hollywood wanted to take the race element out. Wright understandably refused.) To be honest, I almost stopped reading due to some lurid, pulpy elements and the ordeal the protagonist would face
The book follows Bigger Thomas, a young, poor black man who gets a job as a chauffeur for a wealthy, white family. In a lot of ways the novel is more of psychological examination of a certain type of individual and this relates to larger social issues. Like some of Spike Lee’s films, the story and, to some degree, characters seem like means to an end.
Here are a few random comments:
The Atlantic listed this as one of the great American novels. Is that it a worthy pick? I’m not sure, but I think it’s worth reading. Also, even if it’s not worthy of the American canon, it’s a good book for Americans to discuss, maybe especially in the present moment.
The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters
Apparently there is a Indigenous Canadian tribe that has a tradition of picking blueberries in Maine during the summer. This book follows a family that does that. Over the course of time, two of the family members become separated from the family, and the book follows these two characters and their family.
I don’t have a lot to say, except I enjoyed the storytelling, and I really liked some of the more poignant moments.
Serenade by James M. Cain
Cain is famous for The Postman Always Rings Twice and Double Indemnity and Mildred Pierce–all three made into movies. I read Pierce and really liked the writing and the story overall. I had never heard of Serenade, knew nothing about it, but decided to give it chance.
Cain’s wiki page credits him as the first author to utilize that first person narration style in hard-boiled detective fiction. If you’re like me, you’re most familiar with the parodies of this style, but in this book, it’s authentic and doesn’t have that effect. Right away, I loved it, and I was hooked.
The story begins in a Mexican bar, with an American man watching a beautiful woman walk into a bar. He’s smitten, but she sidles over to a bullfighter. Boldly, he goes over them, and eventually finds wins her over. When they talk, they begin a strange discussion–namely a plan to start a brothel in Acalpulco. He throws in some ideas and they both decide to be partners
A lot of things happen from there, which I won’t get into. I will say that I found three quarters of the book enjoyable, but then the novel takes a really sharp left turn and ends in a disappointing, and odd (based on where the book started) way. I mentioned some of Cain’s novels that became movies. I believe this one did, too, although I have never seen it. In any event, this would have been a really good vehicle for Pedro Almodovar.
I was almost going to recommend this to Larri, but there’s no way I can do that now.