David wrote:
"I look forward to reading Bruen. I recognize that there are
different forms of
nonsense/absurdity/randomness--supernatural, surreal,
the
"aburdity of real life" (Willeford sometimes seems that way),
and even the postmodern form (Bartheleme, for one)."
If you like Willeford's barnd of humor, you'll probably like
Bruen's, although their writing styles are nothing alike,
especially not the Brant series (there's a bizarrre crossover
idea: Hoke Mosley meets Brant). Also keep in mind that there
are several different Bruens. The Brant series we have been
discussing is episodic, quick-paced and absurd, lots of
dialogue and lots of short chapters. His (usually) drunken,
unlicensed PI Jack Taylor series (one of which features a
cameo by Brant under a different name) is a bit more
orthodox. Some of his standalones (plus his collaboration
with Jason Starr) are relatively traditional contemporary
Gold Medal-esque noirs. Keep in mind that I've said "a bit"
more orthodox and "relatively" traditional. To varyng
degrees, the books all evidence Bruen's unique, twisted
perspective; and all have their (some very) strange elements
of dark humor.
I'm looking forward to American Skin, his first US novel (I
guess Bust doesn't count since it's a collaboration) next
month.
Mark
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