I've read all the Keller stories I've come across and enjoyed
them quite a bit -- more than lots of Block's other work.
Trying to articulate why: I think there is a unique flavour
of drollery to the stories. Keller's a mildly eccentric
middle class single guy, who is also a hit man. As a reader
I'm always aware that this guy pursuing his trivial interests
and trying to manage his personal life is a contract killer.
He's potentially sympathetic, more so in some ways than many
crime novel protagonists, but of course ultimately he's a
mercenary serial murderer. I guess this trick (the
sympathetic hit man) is not so uncommon these days, but
Keller's about the only one I've encountered that I find
amusing or interesting. I think there must be some real
subtlety at work here. Or maybe I'm just susceptible to this
particular character. Also, the stories often develop in ways
that are surprising to me, and are interestingly told and
paced.
On Mon, Apr 28, 2008 at 9:00 AM, Rob Kantner <
rob@9sg.com> wrote:
> Block has always been a moving target for me, but
one thing I'm
> convinced of is, he stays rigorously true to
whatever vision he has for
> a work, even though that vision may not work for
everyone. I've read Hit
> Parade and I'm reading Hit List now. I find the
former more satisfying
> than the latter, so far. I think it's Block having
fun with acid tongue
> in cheek; if you read them for realism you ain't
gonna come away happy.
> For me these are confections / diversions with some
damn impressive
> twists and turns built in -- for me, pleasant
mini-vacations from the
> historical works to which most of my discretionary
reading time is devoted.
>
>
>
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