--- On Sun, 6/15/08, Douglas Hoffman <
azureus@harborside.com> wrote: The group seemed so
excited about Sara Gran, I went out and bought
/Dope/ and /Come Closer/.
These comments are borderline spoilers, so be
forewarned.
I loved her writing for both novels -- she has an exquisite
voice.
/Dope/ reminded me a bit of /Farewell My Lovely/, so I found
the mystery to be a bit too easy to unravel. On the other
hand, the fact I figured things out long before the
protagonist does make the pun of the title all the more
pointed. Also, I loved the ending image.
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I don't see the FAREWELL, MY LOVELY similarity too much. If I
were going to compare DOPE to a Chandler novel I'd say THE
LITTLE SISTER is a closer fit for the plot. But I also
thought that the Chandler comparison undermines Gran's unique
style both in plotting the novel and her use of language. As
you point out, the title DOPE has a double meaning. I made
Jim all right, but I missed the trick ending just as I missed
the similar one the first time I read THE LITTLE SISTER. I
was very impressed with DOPE. Although plotted like a hard
boiled detective story, it's seriously noir in character,
atmosphere and plot line. I came to both like and admire Joe
Flannigan and I'm sorry there won't be any further
adventures.
**************************************************************
My thanks to the list for introducing me to a terrific
author! Has anyone read /Saturn's Return to New York/ --
which, based on the description over at Amazon, looks like an
entirely different kind of novel?
***************************************************************
I echo these sentiments. DOPE is a terrific novel, dark,
atmospheric, and most important, thought provoking. I look
forward to reading Sara Gran's other works.
Patrick King
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