I met up with my mystery book group to discuss The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett and I think almost everyone liked it. I have to say for a book as well-known as this one and one classified as a classic of noir fiction, I can’t believe how little I knew about it going into it. Actually, the only thing I knew was that the detective was Sam Spade.
This actually made my reading experience even better because I didn’t know what to expect. I figured there would be tough guys and femme fatales and well that held true, but I sort of expected more action. There is a lot that goes on in this relatively short novel but it almost seems like the action takes second place to the atmosphere. Even the mystery didn’t seem to be the main part. I felt it was more about the characters and their motivations and corruption in society.
Compared to other contemporary mysteries written at the time such as those of Agatha Christie, the hard-boiled detective story is quite a departure. The hard-boiled detective, in this case Sam Spade, probably deals more with the seedier aspects of society and often bends the law but still manages to have his own “code” that he lives by. What I found myself thinking as I was reading the story was that I couldn’t trust any of the characters. They all seemed to have something that they were hiding, including Sam.
I am curious how “shocking” these types of stories must have been when they first came out. I can nitpick now and see a lot of stereotypes, especially with the women characters but nevertheless I do think these stories must have shaken the literary scene.
So, I really enjoyed this and am glad to finally say I’ve read something by Hammett. I’d certainly read more noir fiction but I wonder which next. Anyone have any suggestions or favorites of noir fiction?
And, I’m pretty excited about next month’s selection, Voices by Arnaldur Indridason. I’ve been wanting to read this book so I’m looking forward to finding out what’s next for Inspector Erlendur. I’m not sure if I’ll make it to book group as it gets too close to the holiday madness but for now I’m planning on it.
I always think of The Maltese Falcon as a movie and I haven’t even seen that. Glad to see you enjoyed it, it sounds like something my library should have, I’ll have a look. I’ve never heard of the next one you’ll be reading though…
Joanna – Several people in the group discussed the differences/similarities between book and movie but I haven’t seen the movie. I’ve heard it’s a really good adaptation though. The Indridason series is very good… The first one, Jar City (U.S. title) is fantastic.
Great review.
I guess it’s one of the early versions of the genre?? It seems to have evolved a lot.
Glad you enjoyed the book! I read my first Hammett earlier this year (The Glass Key) and enjoyed it — it’s not exactly my thing, but it’s good to read things that aren’t my thing, and I do enjoy them sometimes!
Isabel – It is. From the little research I did on Hammett he is credited as one of the masters of the genre. I think I need to read some Raymond Chandler next…
Dorothy W. – Yea, I don’t think noir is quite my favorite genre either but well maybe I need to read more and see 🙂 Maybe I’ll add The Glass Key to my radar!
For crime novels, I highly recommend the Baby Shark series by Robert Fate. I’ve just read one, but it was a rocking fine crime novel, in my humble opinion. I liked The Glass Key, but it was nowhere near as memorable as The Maltese Falcon. I really remember almost nothing about it. The Thin Man is great, too — and very funny.
I enjoyed this when I read it a few years ago. I’ve meant to read more of the genre, but I haven’t been very good about doing so! I’d like to read Indridason, too!
Bookfool, aka Nancy – Ooh, never heard of Robert Fate! Thank you and I’ll be adding that one to my list.
Danielle – You haven’t read Indridason? I thought you had read the first book? Oh it is so good – I think you’d really like it. very atmospheric.
I am glad you enjoyed The Maltese Falcon, Iliana. My husband’s been trying to get me to read something by Raymond Chandler now that I’ve read and enjoyed one of Hammett’s novels.
i have not even heard of this book. And I know, I needa lot more education 😀
I will definitely try and get this one.