I'd had this book by Scott Phillips on my TBR shelf for years
and finally broke it out this weekend to read in preparation
for the upcoming film version. Based on the previews I've
seen, it looks like the film is a fairly accurate adaptation,
but not having seen it, I couldn't speculate much further.
Anyway, the book itself is a neat little story that covers
several hours on Christmas Eve, as small-time lawyer/bagman
to the mob Charlie Arglist prepares to leave Wichita, Kansas,
with the money that he and a partner have been skimming for
years. The book follows Charlie as he drives around town and
drops in on old acquaintances, wrapping up a few last-minute
errands before he leaves, killing time as he waits for his 2
am meeting with partner, Vic. This was a fun, fast-moving
little book that is a great modern noir--everyone in this
universe is screwed, destined for a bad end. I can only hope
the movie captures the book--it could be great (although the
way it plays up the c
omic elements of the story has me a bit worried). And
Harold Ramis, the director, has had a very hit-and-miss
career (he directed the great _Groundhog Day_, along with a
number of less memorable films). Still, with a screenplay
co-authored by Richard Russo and Robert Benton, one can hope.
I had a great time with the book and am looking forward to
Phillips' _The Walkaway_, billed as both a sequel and
prequel.
Craig Larson Plymouth, MN
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This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : 14 Nov 2005 EST