Bill’s review of The Big Sleep (Philip Marlowe, #1) > Likes and Comments

Chapeau! I have already earmarked one or two Marlowe novels for my summer holiday, and if I didn't know why, your review would have told me so again.

Did you figure out who killed the chauffeur?

Glen wrote: "Did you figure out who killed the chauffeur?"

I believe so. But I can't remember now. I read Chandler for the color and effect and don't bother too much about the plot.

Philip Marlowe has long been my favourite literary character. Brilliant review, Bill; many thanks.

I asked because there's a story that when they made the first movie based on The Big Sleep, (the one with Humphrey Bogart), they actually asked Chandler himself who killed the chauffeur, and he didn't know!

I've heard the story. But of course Chandler was probably drunk at the time, and Faulkner and Hawks who wanted to know were perhaps drunk too. Actually, I think the gay book store boy shot him or stabbed him or sapped him (I just don't remember which), Brodie followed him, stole Carmen's pictures and sapped him (again?)' and he woke up woozy and humiliated, and drove himself confusedly or suicidally into the bay. Or maybe Brodie was lying and killed him after all.

Great review. Marlowe truly is the great knight (i named my cat Marlowe after him).

I just bought another Audible.com sale selection, and having been burned before, checked your reviews first. Not The Big Sleep (I've seen the movie) but Farewell My Lovely. Thanks for your informative review!

The true historian of southern California, dear ol Raymio, as his wife - 17-some years older, called him.

Howard Hawks said he was not sure to have all understand. I recognize that after reading the book and seing the movie, I was in the same case.
Thank you for the review because I have the impression for the first time to understand something to this book.

Bill, this is one of the finest, most insightful and loving reviews I have ever read. Thank you

William wrote: "Bill, this is one of the finest, most insightful and loving reviews I have ever read. Thank you"

Thanks for the kind words!

Good review. But the so-called sexism and homophobia should be appreciated. They remind us that our own values too are partial and that not ever issue has been resolved by the wisdom of the late 20th early 21 century. There is something to be said for candor and honesty about one's feelings.

Excellent review of a genre classic.

The story behind the film script is priceless. Lots of cooks messing around with that broth. Great question for a first time viewer: So what was that all about?

Wonderful review! I read the entire Marlowe canon while in college in the mid-1980s. I have been considering rereading them, and your review has convinced me to do that sooner rather than later. Thank you! I am interested to see how I view them after aging 30 years.

Brenda wrote: "Wonderful review! I read the entire Marlowe canon while in college in the mid-1980s. I have been considering rereading them, and your review has convinced me to do that sooner rather than later. Th..."

Glad you liked the review!

This is on my TBR! My friend gave me this book to read and said I must read it

Very nice, Bill. Thanks.

Loved the movie. Great review.

Robin wrote: "Good review. But the so-called sexism and homophobia should be appreciated. They remind us that our own values too are partial and that not ever issue has been resolved by the wisdom of the late 20..."

Right. Novels have to be read in the context of their times, but that does require knowing something about the history of those times. A reading of Los Angeles newspapers of that era reveal how accurate Chandler was about Los Angeles corruption, racial attitudes, etc.

Fine review, Bill. I've read the novel several times and know matter how well I know those scenes, they draw me in afresh.

I know what you mean Bill, I've read it at least 3 times in the past two years.

Terrific review, Bill. I too have not read this one for about 20 years, so probably about time to revisit it. Thanks for the reminder!

One of the best opening paragraphs ever. He introduces himself and the story and sets the hook. Up there with Jane Austin's opening sentence in Pride and Prejudice. Much better than 'Call me Ishmael'.

I don't suppose I've read *The Big Sleep* more than a couple of times myself, but I've seen the movie a good few more and listened to the BBC radio adaptation (with Ed Bishop as Marlowe) over and over – and still I never once spotted that artful symmetry between the stained-glass knight and maiden, whom everybody mentions, and Silver-Wig with her more successful knife. That is superb, isn't it. Bill, thank you so much for pointing it out.

Never grown to like Chandler - not my style, but the review is excellent.

Bill, what a marvelous and perceptive review! I've just finished this astonishingly good novel that I knew only second-hand from the great film (which is more Bogie and Bacall chemistry than anything else.)

I was inspired by your review, Bill. I'm giving this one a go. I'm enjoying it so far. And the metaphors...yep - wow.

Great review 😊

Great review Bill...made me want to revisit Chandler!

Finished and enjoyed. Good story and very colorful writing. Thanks again, Bill, for the recommendation.

Wow, such a great review! I loved it, too, on rereading.

I must say my favourite line of the entire book was the very last line:

On the way downtown I stopped at a bar and had a couple of double Scotches. They didn’t do me any good. All they did was make me think of Silver-Wig, and I never saw her again.

William wrote: "I must say my favourite line of the entire book was the very last line:
On the way downtown I stopped at a bar and had a couple of double Scotches. They didn’t do me any good. All they did was make..." :)

One of the best first paragraphs in literature.

Thanks, Bill, for this attentive rereading of a book I, too, loved 40 years ago.

Bill, great review. Yes, I do understand that in 1939, homophobia and misogyny were prominent in literature and in the way some people talked. But here, there are some lines that are, to me, ridiculous. I don't believe for a second that these characters read Proust, for example, and would know that he did, indeed, do much work - writing, in bed because he was dying of asthma. (The line goes, "I was beginning to think you worked in bed, like Marcel Proust...a connoisseur of degenerates." Nope, I don't buy it. That's Chandler forcing a joke. But, wow, this is a blistering read and I'm going to read more, later works by Chandler.

I have read and reread all Raymond chandler books except Playback. They are witty, atmospheric and exciting, but so far I have never remembered the plot. Which means I can reread them again.

One can read a Raymond Chandler book again and again because his language is so wonderful, his characters so interesting, and the atmosphere so enthralling, and also because his plots are so unmemorable. Apparently when once asked to explain one of his storylines, he said he forgot them as soon as he had written them.

Franziska wrote: "One can read a Raymond Chandler book again and again because his language is so wonderful, his characters so interesting, and the atmosphere so enthralling, and also because his plots are so unmemo..."

Excellent observation! Plot in a Chandler novel is about as important as it is in a medieval romance Incident and atmosphere--that's the important thing!

Another wonderful review, Bill!

Erik wrote: "Another wonderful review, Bill!"

Thanks!

Just read your fine review again, after a year.

Truly marvellous. (/me makes a note to read it again in 2019)

I'm reading The Annotated Big Sleep right now. It's a lot of fun.

James wrote: "I'm reading The Annotated Big Sleep right now. It's a lot of fun."

That title doesn't show in GoodReads

William wrote: That title doesn't show in GoodReads""

I know, and I don't know why. The book has been out for several months and has been critically reviewed in a number of places. I haven't had time to try to figure out why it's not showing on GR, but will check into it when I review the book.

Thank you

Okay, I was secure in thinking that reading this excellent book just once, years ago, was sufficient, but you've made me see the error of that thought. Okay, going in for another read.

I, too, have read and re-read most of Chandler. A couple of years ago I read a review and was forced to re-read The Little Sister. I also have the Annotated and maybe now is the time to give it a go.

Man, that is one FINE review!