Customer Reviews

The Convict

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4 star:		(2)
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If you've read James Lee Burke's novels, then you're in for a more than pleasant suprise with "The Convict". Because it's a book of short stories.

Mind you - it's just as well these stories are short. Each tale packs enough punch for a full blown novel. Comparing just one of these stories with any of Burke's novels is like comparing whisky with strong beer.

Each story is heady stuff - not only in the powerful way Burke takes a word and wrings all the blood out of it onto the page before setting it into place. The stories are of strong-headed, often wrong-headed men doing what they knew to be the best thing. They are tales of the American South, of the bijoux days, of the days of sweat and gunpowder and bowel-shaking fear.

These are tales Burke must have heard as a boy, tales that have been purified in the distillery of Burke's mind until all that's left is the gritty, sweaty essence.

And, at just a shade over six bucks, these are cheap thrills, indeed. But do be careful: each story packs enough of a wallop to put Mike Tyson on the canvas.

But trust me on this, you start reading these stories and they won't FEEL like the "required" reading that too often turns out to be dull, pretentious tripe foisted off on us by brittle critics and coked-out marketing agents. Nope, these are terrific stories that happen to be beautifully written by a man I am becoming convinced (I'm less than half way through his existing oeuvre) is one of the greatest American writers of all time. The title story, 'The Convict,' easily, EASILY holds it own with Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird.' Sometimes the characters in these stories aren't entirely likeable (though they are always charismatic) but Burke makes no bows to political correctness; but to justice and to age and to reason and to living life to its fullest, here he surely exceeds any human expectations of capturing the same within the confines of a short story.

Wether James Lee Burke is writing the Dave Robicheux novels or stories about other topis he always makes the characters very real and very human. The stories in the Convict are perfect examples of what a great writer of poeple Burke really is. Each one we get to know and learn things from through the course of their story. Some classify Burke as mystery writer, others as a southern writer, I dont care what you call him he darn good at what he does. No one who call themselves a fan of Burke`s should pass on the Convict.

As usual James Lee Burke scores big. I really enjoyed reading shorts. I own a copy of all his books. Not a bad one in the whole bunch.
Pete Alford

After having read all of James Lee Burke's books I ordered this re-issue of his book of short stories. Little did I know how much enjoyment awaited me. Mr. Burke is truly an American treasure...reading his books, or in this case his short stories, transports one into the world he creates. In this collection one gets a preview of some of his future characters like Hackberry Holland...in any event I can recommend this collection of short stories to anyone who enjoys truly creative and imagination filled writing...if you haven't read any of Mr. Burke's novels...this is a great way to start. The only problem with this book and his other novels is once you've finished you are left wanting more. Thank goodness he has a new full length novel coming out this summer...I can't wait!

i read everything that james lee burke writes and this did not disappoint me,, i am not one for short stories but i did enjoy these,,the way mr. burke writes i feel like i am right there,,his discription of the areas and the people just make me wish he wrote more,,

If your a James Burke fan, good read,if you like stories based on the way of the south, good read,if not, find some thing else.This book will not be for everyone make sure you enjoy this writer be for you purchase it.For me I loved it.

mr. burke writes prose indeed. he never fails to entertain and please me. hope he keeps on writing more. love his books.