|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
1 Review
|
Average Customer Review
Share your thoughts with other customers
Create your own review
|
|
Most Helpful First | Newest First
|
|
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Effective use of multiple character narration.,
By
This review is from: All These Condemned (Mass Market Paperback)
This paperback original by John D. MacDonald, first published in 1954, is a fascinating read by virtue of its atypical almost experimental structure. All These Condemned is, at its essence, a whodunit with a plot not terribly different from those typically found in many books of the well worn British drawing room mystery genre. But MacDonald's well crafted and unusually styled narrative makes this book stand out.
We learn in Chapter 1 that Wilma Ferris, a rich, manipulative, souless cosmetics tycoon has been murdered at a weekend retreat held at her lakeside country home. The suspects are her invited guests, almost all of whom have their own reasons for wanting to see her dead. Like Jim Thompson did to masterful effect in a slightly earlier novel, The Criminal, MacDonald uses multiple narrators to relate the proceedings each from his or her own perspective. In virtuoso style, the author gives each narrator a distinct voice and a unique point of view. The result is a stunningly compelling and quite satisfying read. The genius of John D. MacDonald's writing is very much in evidence in this early paperback offering. Highly recommended. |
|
Most Helpful First | Newest First
|
|
All These Condemned by John D. Macdonald (Mass Market Paperback - December 12, 1977)
Used & New from: $2.93
| |
| ||
