Re: RARA-AVIS: Re: Ellroy

Anthony Smith (ansmith@netdoor.com)
Mon, 11 May 1998 11:26:55 -0500 Re: style
> Hammett's work bears this out, and so does that of Chandler (usually).
> Ellroy seems to be striving toward that effect as well.
Personally, I think Ellroy has GOT it, whatever, IT is. And I agree with
Ellory that Hammett is the better writer than Chandler, whose style never
really made an effect on me. I know he is the most copied stylist, it
seems, in the detective field today, and that's not exactly a good thing.
I just read a few excellent books, but on reflection, they seems to be
building on the old Chandler riff, even though they twist it into something
new (Crumley's Last Good Kiss, Pelecanos' A Firing Offense, Block's When
the Sacred Ginmill Closes). All three of these writers have pushed the
genre in new healthy directions as well, so kudos to them. But so many
others are still stuck in Chandlerville.

> I haven't read AMERICAN TABLOID yet, but it's on my stack. Meanwhile, has
> anyone heard or read anything about Ellroy's next project? -- Duane

Am Tab is SUCH a strong novel. For those complaining about the frantic
Contino voice, Am Tab is a good contrast. It shows this telegraphic style
in maturity.

The next project, due in Spring (?) 99, part two of Underworld America
trilogy, untitled as yet, picks up where Am Tab leaves off, sorta. And in
the meantime, check out Ellroy's recent and ongoing work in GQ magazine.
a.smith
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