--- In
rara-avis-l@yahoogroups.com, Doug Bassett
<dj_bassett@...> wrote:
>
> I think Williams was in a lot of ways the ideal
of
> that era of hardboiled writing, although his
virtues
> don't just leap out at you. He's not a flashy
stylist,
> so he's not as easy to sink your teeth into as
say
> Goodis or Thompson or Woolrich (I believe I first
read
> that insight from Mr. Gorman somewhere, and it's
a
> keeper.) As far as I know he never wrote a
series
> character, so there's not that hook. It's no
wonder
> he's languished in comparison.
Ironically, he's languished while at the same time being
increasingly recognized as a classic... His _The Hot Spot_ is
one of the most perfect noir novels I have ever read.
Powerful stuff, ordinary characters including some very bad
people. He is not flashy, but he maintains the tension by
very precise dialogue and a good balance between dialogue and
description. He can also convey sensuality with great economy
and impact. Regarding comments on the price of reprinting:
that's too bad. A publisher has to make some money and in
2006 Williams isn't exactly your bestselling author. No noir
writer is.
Best,
MrT
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