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Russian Dope
Warning, this book contains explicit violence and language, black and gross humor, and too many Russians.
A blur of non-chronological chapters, this dark gangster tale is set in fairytale Copenhagen, Denmark as the first snow of the winter covers the city streets. It’s the late 90s and the Russian mafia is taking over the streets, dealing first class Russian dope. A couple of stupid, Danish, lowlife junkies decide to steal some of that dope. Not really a smart move; but hey, man, it might work, you know.
“Not for the faint of heart."
Danish Newspaper Jyllands-Posten
"A sound breakthrough as a crime writer."
Danish Newspaper Politiken.
“Black humor and a keen sense for languages and environments.”
Danish Newspaper Berlingske
A blur of non-chronological chapters, this dark gangster tale is set in fairytale Copenhagen, Denmark as the first snow of the winter covers the city streets. It’s the late 90s and the Russian mafia is taking over the streets, dealing first class Russian dope. A couple of stupid, Danish, lowlife junkies decide to steal some of that dope. Not really a smart move; but hey, man, it might work, you know.
“Not for the faint of heart."
Danish Newspaper Jyllands-Posten
"A sound breakthrough as a crime writer."
Danish Newspaper Politiken.
“Black humor and a keen sense for languages and environments.”
Danish Newspaper Berlingske
111 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 5, 2019
This is the second book written by Steen Langstrup that I've read, the other one being a short, horror story, titled ''Metro'', and I believe that his name will become widely known in years to come. ''Russian Dope'' is a short-length, tightly-knit crime/gangster story set in Denmark's capital city, Copenhagen.
The story is simple enough: two junkies and a young man named Paul find themselves in a tough spot when they attempt to steal two kilos of pure heroin from the Russian mob. What makes this novel stand out is the quirky type of narration, which is reminiscent of a classic crime fiction film, ''Pulp Fiction'' (1994). The narrative is fragmented and jumps back and forth in time formulating an intriguing puzzle which the reader has to solve in order wholly comprehend the story. The limited length of the book suits the story perfectly and there is not a single scene or chapter that can be considered redundant. There are some carefully inserted plot twists that are successful, adding to the overall thrilling sense of the story. Of course, the above limitation doesn't allow a proper character development but this doesn't matter as this is a purely plot-centered novel, based on the special way that the author chooses to narrate the story.
In conclusion, this is a little gem of Scandinavian crime fiction and Steen Langstrup proves to be a first-rate crime fiction writer whose work can be considered equal to that of the grand-masters of the Nordic Noir genre. I really hope that in the near future we, as readers, will have the opportunity to indulge in books similar to ''Russian Dope''.
The story is simple enough: two junkies and a young man named Paul find themselves in a tough spot when they attempt to steal two kilos of pure heroin from the Russian mob. What makes this novel stand out is the quirky type of narration, which is reminiscent of a classic crime fiction film, ''Pulp Fiction'' (1994). The narrative is fragmented and jumps back and forth in time formulating an intriguing puzzle which the reader has to solve in order wholly comprehend the story. The limited length of the book suits the story perfectly and there is not a single scene or chapter that can be considered redundant. There are some carefully inserted plot twists that are successful, adding to the overall thrilling sense of the story. Of course, the above limitation doesn't allow a proper character development but this doesn't matter as this is a purely plot-centered novel, based on the special way that the author chooses to narrate the story.
In conclusion, this is a little gem of Scandinavian crime fiction and Steen Langstrup proves to be a first-rate crime fiction writer whose work can be considered equal to that of the grand-masters of the Nordic Noir genre. I really hope that in the near future we, as readers, will have the opportunity to indulge in books similar to ''Russian Dope''.
November 30, 2014
Have you ever seen the movie Snatch? Where it jumps around to all these different characters and at first, you're confused. But as things come together, you realize what's going on and what it's about? That's this book. I could totally see it as a movie. The characters are well described enough that you get a feel for them, without over doing it. The plot is thick, but not too much you can't follow it. This story was fun, entertaining, exciting and action packed. I think it was well written (with the exception of some editing errors). The editing does leave something to be desired, but it doesn't ruin the story for you. I think if you're into crime, noir type films, you're going to really enjoy this book! Pick it up and give it a try.
September 6, 2014
I like the way Steen Langstrup intersperses the action in this tale of two addicts who make the mistake of trying to rip off the Russian mob in nineties Copenhagen.
Two kilos of heroin seems to good a chance to pass up.
The story is told, beginning late in the action, then intercutting flashbacks until the story comes together at the end.
Well written crime tale Recommended.
Two kilos of heroin seems to good a chance to pass up.
The story is told, beginning late in the action, then intercutting flashbacks until the story comes together at the end.
Well written crime tale Recommended.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews