42 pages • 1 hour read
The Long Goodbye
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Book Brief
379
Novel • Fiction
Los Angeles • 1950s
1953
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler follows private detective Philip Marlowe as he investigates a series of complex situations following his acquaintance with Terry Lennox, whom he helps flee to Mexico after Lennox's wife is murdered. When Lennox allegedly commits suicide in Mexico, Marlowe becomes entangled in further investigations involving an alcoholic writer and familial deceit, unraveling a web of crime and betrayal. Topics: suicide, murder, alcoholism, war trauma.
Mysterious
Dark
Gritty
Melancholic
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
48,461 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reviews of Raymond Chandler's The Long Goodbye highlight its compelling narrative and complex characterization, particularly of its protagonist, Philip Marlowe. Critics praise Chandler's rich, atmospheric prose and adept exploration of themes such as loyalty and morality. However, some mention that the plot can seem convoluted and overly drawn out. Overall, it remains a liked classic in the noir genre.
Who Should Read The Long Goodbye?
A reader who would enjoy The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler likely appreciates gritty, noir detective stories with complex characters and intricate plots. Fans of Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon and James M. Cain's The Postman Always Rings Twice will find a similar appeal in Chandler's storytelling.
48,461 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Terry Lennox
Terry Lennox
A man with a war-torn past, whose friendship with Marlowe provides a glimpse into the world of the rich and powerful, and who remains haunted by personal trauma and identity struggles.
Eileen Wade
Eileen Wade
A beautiful woman whose troubled marriage and tumultuous past are overshadowed by a haunting loss during World War II, shaping her interactions and decisions.
Roger Wade
Roger Wade
A successful yet deeply unhappy writer who battles alcoholism and struggles with his personal demons, affecting his relationship with those around him.
379
Novel • Fiction
Los Angeles • 1950s
1953
Adult
18+ years
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