Raymond Chandler Speaking

Bit pretentious title, but so was Chandler. In any case, this is important book for Chandler's fans and crime fiction lovers. Composed mostly of his letters to colleagues, it is divided into categories : Chandler on himself (where he talks about his life in England and America, his failed suicide attempt after his fifteen years older wife died, after he was committed to psychiatric ward, his alcoholism and so on, then : Notes about mystery novel where he rambles about detective fiction, writing in general, rants about Hollywood and how they treat screenwriters (which is surprisingly true to this day), about film and television, then there are his thoughts about famous crimes, his love of cats, and one unpublished short story as well first chapter of his unfinished novel, Poodle Springs. In all these fragments Chandler uncover himself as one particularly complex, emotional and intelligent man.

Raymond Chandler - Long Goodbye

 

This is probably best Raymond Chandler novel, where he ruminates on his past adventures only to find himself in another one. Load of anonymous reviewers have already said enough pointless stuff about this, so read this novel if you can find it in your local library or in a bookstore.

One thing to keep in mind was that Chandler was like Hammett hardcore alcoholic. So he spent some time in a looney bin recovering from delirium. But he's good man, good writer. Much of his novels are made from bunch of short stories he wrote for pulp magazines so critics who said his novels are a mess are maybe right, but thing that distinguish him from others is his original style full of poetic realism for which readers all around the world still praise him.

He also wrote screenplay for good noir movie 'Double Indemnity' and another one not too good 'Blue Dahlia'. Famous director Billy Wilder made movie 'Lost Weekend' loosely based on Chandler's alcoholism.