5:45 to suburbia

by M. E Kerr, Vin Packer, Marijane Meaker

AKA Ann Aldrich, Marijane Meaker and M. E. Kerr.

Genres: Noir

190 pages, Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1958

Reviews

[Juuso · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a crime novel, this psychologically perceptive Packer is. More like a "executive suit" type of fare, with themes so typical to Packer: darkly sexual undertones, people closeted, happiness not achieved.

3.5 stars would be enough really, (this not being among her best work) but hell I adore her craftsmanship and just love her writing, so it's rather four stars than three.

[Manda · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting change from what I normally read. It was very, very much a product of when it was written (1958), almost like watching an old black and white movie or an episode of Mad Men. In fact, Wally was pretty much Pete Campbell.
For some reason I thought it was going to be a murder mystery, but it was more a psychological profile of a lot of very self-centered people, all surrounding the events on Charlie's birthday over several years. The non-linear storytelling was particularly interesting.

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

If 1950s era office politics and mores are your thing you might enjoy this novel that is focalized around Charlie on his birthday and the relationships and work stuff he has to deal with rather than celebrate. There are some non-linear back story chapters detailing some of Charlie's previous birthdays and those create plot points for what happens on this particular birthday. Packer/Meaker was such a strong writer, spinning out these psychological portraits effortlessly. I enjoyed the writing craft more than the novel.