After Dark, My Sweet (Crime Masterworks) : Book Review

"After Dark, My Sweet" by Jim Thompson is a captivating and dark novel that delves deep into the troubled mind of its protagonist, Kid Collins, a former boxer struggling to find his place in the world. Set in the 1950s, the story paints a vivid picture of Kid as a lost soul, haunted by his past and grappling with his own identity.

Thompson's narrative is gripping, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. He skillfully portrays Kid's inner turmoil and gradual descent into madness, creating a complex and compelling character that readers can't help but be drawn to. Kid's constant struggle between his desires and the consequences of his actions becomes the driving force of the story, leaving readers questioning his motives and rooting for him to find redemption.

Equally intriguing is the character of Fay, the seductive and manipulative woman who enters Kid's life and leads him down a dangerous path. Thompson masterfully reveals her true intentions as the story progresses, adding depth and suspense to the plot. Fay's presence keeps readers guessing, never quite sure if she is friend or foe until the very end.

The atmospheric setting adds another layer of intensity to the story, with the harsh and unforgiving landscape mirroring the characters' internal struggles. Thompson vividly brings the 1950s era to life with his attention to detail, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the time period. His evocative prose captures the essence of the era, making readers feel as if they are right alongside the characters, experiencing every twist and turn.

Overall, "After Dark, My Sweet" is a brilliantly crafted noir novel that showcases Jim Thompson's talent for gritty storytelling. With its compelling characters, intense plot, and atmospheric setting, this book is a must-read for fans of the genre. Thompson's skillful portrayal of the human psyche and his ability to keep readers guessing until the very end make this novel a true masterpiece.

What are readers saying?

After Dark, My Sweet by Jim Thompson has received a range of reviews from readers. Some found the book to be a gripping and atmospheric noir thriller, while others expressed disappointment with its slow pace and shallow character development.

Many readers praised the intense and dark atmosphere that Thompson created in After Dark, My Sweet. They appreciated his ability to capture the gritty and seedy nature of the story's setting, and commended the book's noir elements, including its morally ambiguous characters and twisted plot. Readers found themselves engrossed in the suspenseful narrative, which was filled with unexpected twists and turns.

However, some reviewers felt that the book lacked depth in terms of character development. They found the protagonists to be one-dimensional and difficult to emotionally connect with, which had a negative impact on their overall enjoyment of the story. Some readers also expressed disappointment with the slow pacing, believing that it prevented the narrative from reaching its full potential.

Thompson's writing style was praised by many. His prose was described as taut and atmospheric, effectively immersing readers in the dark and twisted world of the story. Reviewers also commended Thompson's ability to create a sense of psychological unease and tension, which added to the overall suspense of the plot.

Despite receiving mixed reviews, After Dark, My Sweet still managed to captivate many readers with its gripping narrative and atmospheric setting. Fans of noir fiction and psychological thrillers may be drawn to the book's dark and morally ambiguous storylines. However, those seeking well-developed characters and a fast-paced plot may feel that the book falls short. Overall, After Dark, My Sweet offers a compelling and atmospheric reading experience, although some readers felt it could have been improved in terms of character development and pacing.

AfterDarkMySweet CrimeThriller NoirFiction