I Read Therefore I Am discussion

Comment as soon as you like, but please hide any spoilers

I read The Maltese Falcon a couple of years ago and really did not enjoy it. I hope to have a happy surprise with this book. :-)

I hope so - I enjoyed the first few pages at least :0)

I'm quite enjoying the character of Philip Marlowe. At little cheeky, a little witty, with a splash of attitude. I'm also impressed how Chandler gives each character quite a definite personality. A very good set-up so far!

I'm enjoying it too - I wasn't sure if I would because I love the film so much but so far the book and film are as close as they could be given the period the film was made.

Lee wrote: "I'm enjoying it too - I wasn't sure if I would because I love the film so much but so far the book and film are as close as they could be given the period the film was made."

That's good to know. I'm always leery of watching films of books because they often aren't nearly as good, but since you've this film a good recommendation, I'll give it a try!

You're in for a treat - Humphrey Bogart is perfect as Philip Marlowe.

I read this a couple of months ago and enjoyed it (I also liked the movie). I do think it was more style than substance (view spoiler)[ and after learning that Chandler basically reworked this from previously published short stories, the disjointedness of parts made more sense. There is the famous anecdote about Chandler not knowing who killed the chauffeur, which I found pretty funny, however I didn't notice that loose end when I was reading it. (hide spoiler)] But I would like to read something else by him.

I'm really enjoying this, only a little way into it but it's a lot of fun.

I've never seen the film but have seen numerous homages and send-ups of the film, and I can't help now but read the book in that sort of voice-over style :-)

Yes - it's almost as if I've got an audio version narrated by Humphrey Boggart...which is cool ;)

I've finished it and was pleasantly surprised. My experience with The Maltese Falcon had jaded me and I was prepared for stereotype characters, in a stereotyped plot with very little development of either. Boy, was I wrong! Chandler makes each character come alive and Marlowe is a fascinating study. I'm so glad the group had this up for a read and that I chose to read it!

I love Marlowe's random one-liners and descriptions of people! He's really funny. I found the Maltese Falcon ok but totally agree with you Cleo - Chandler is much better at this. I think he does use stereotypes and clichés but he gives them his own take which makes for much better reading. Do you believe his claim that (view spoiler)[ he didn't know himself who'd killed the chauffeur (hide spoiler)]?

Laurel wrote: "I love Marlowe's random one-liners and descriptions of people! He's really funny. I found the Maltese Falcon ok but totally agree with you Cleo - Chandler is much better at this. I think he does us..."

I think that you nailed it, Laurel …… he does use clichés but makes them his own somehow.

I did believe that he didn't know. He spent so much time on setting and characters, that I felt that the plot was almost of secondary importance. What about you? Did you believe him?

I loved this - so funny and yet so world weary and some times almost heart breaking ( I'm thinking of the Harry Jones character). I believe that Chandler didn't know who bumped off the chauffeur - I certainly didn't.
Isn't the Bogart film a great adaptation ? He absolutely is Marlowe.
I'll definitely be reading some more Marlowe novels.

Cleo wrote: "Laurel wrote: "I love Marlowe's random one-liners and descriptions of people! He's really funny. I found the Maltese Falcon ok but totally agree with you Cleo - Chandler is much better at this. I t..."

Well I don't remember that actually getting cleared up so maybe he didn't. It does seem a bit of a stretch though... I'm on the fence lol!

Lee wrote: "I loved this - so funny and yet so world weary and some times almost heart breaking ( I'm thinking of the Harry Jones character). I believe that Chandler didn't know who bumped off the chauffeur ..."

I absolutely love the film of this - nobody else could ever possibly be Marlowe as far as I'm concerned ;)