Mario Taboada writes:
<< I don't think a writer like Williams, who is neither
flashy
nor weird, has much of a chance of rediscovery by
today's
public. >>
In the last year or so, I read three novels by Williams:
"Sailcloth Shroud,"
"Aground," and "Scorpion Reef." They are all good, though I
liked the last two better than the first. Williams writes a
great sentence and tells a good yarn. One thing stands
out--especially in contrast to other hard-boiled (and
Williams is maybe not quite hard-boiled): the three books
I've read are romantic (unironic) love stories. They have a
similar pattern in which the protagonist distrusts the
seemingly wealthy, attached, spoiled, beautiful woman, but
falls for her (and she is not a femme fatale). These novels
might also fit into the work theme. All the male protagonists
are sucked into dire straits by their professionalism (and
often they are hard but educated or vaguely cultured men who
are doing blue color boat work). Two other quick points: in
"The Handle" (aka "Run Lethal"), Parker remarks that a boat
is like a prison cell. He doesn't like being on a boat
because he is trapped; Williams makes much of this situation.
Finally, I notice that some of Williams' books have been made
into European films (anyone seen them?)--and
"Dead Calm" was an Australian (?) film (plus the
non-sea-going "Hot Spot"). It seems that his books would make
good adaptations--tight plots that ratchet up, twists, a love
interest, no need for extras, etc. I'd be up for hearing what
others think of Williams. Also, does anyone have a
bibliography (maybe Bill has one posted)? How many of his
books are sea yarns and how many on land?
Doug
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