"The Burglar" by David Goodis is a riveting thriller that immerses readers in the captivating world of Nat Harbin, a skilled burglar who finds himself entangled in a treacherous web of deceit and murder. Goodis skillfully combines elements of suspense, mystery, and noir to create a dark and atmospheric narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The fast-paced plot follows Nat as he embarks on what should have been a routine heist, only to discover a woman in the apartment he is robbing. Instead of turning her in, Nat gets pulled into a dangerous situation that challenges his criminal code. Goodis expertly weaves together these intricate threads, keeping readers guessing and eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth.
What sets "The Burglar" apart is Goodis' exquisite writing style, which combines lyrical prose with a gritty realism that adds depth to the characters and the gritty Philadelphia setting. Nat is a complex protagonist, caught between his life of crime and his yearning for redemption. Through Nat's introspection and internal struggles, Goodis explores profound themes such as guilt, remorse, and the possibility of change.
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The supporting characters, particularly the enigmatic femme fatale Gladden, add layers of intrigue and suspense to the narrative. Each character is carefully crafted, creating a rich tapestry of personalities and motivations that keeps readers engaged and invested in the story.
Overall, "The Burglar" is a gripping and atmospheric novel that will captivate fans of the thriller genre. David Goodis deftly combines suspense, mystery, and noir elements to deliver a thought-provoking and unforgettable reading experience. Through Nat's journey, readers are compelled to question their own notions of morality and the complexities of human nature.
What are readers saying?
"The Burglar" by David Goodis has garnered both praise and criticism from readers, presenting a mixed reception among its audience. While many readers commended Goodis' skill in creating a dark and suspenseful atmosphere, as well as his strong character development, others found fault with the slow pacing and predictable plot. Overall, the novel holds an average rating of 3.65 stars out of 5.
Numerous reviewers expressed admiration for Goodis' ability to craft a gritty and atmospheric setting for the story, capturing the underbelly of Philadelphia with vivid descriptions. This moody backdrop captivated readers and maintained their engagement throughout the book.
Character development also received high praise, with Goodis being applauded for his portrayal of complex and morally ambiguous characters. The protagonist, Nat Harbin, an accomplished burglar, was particularly well-received, with readers finding him captivating and becoming emotionally invested in his journey.
However, some readers felt that the plot of "The Burglar" fell short, citing its predictability and lack of suspense. This left them somewhat disappointed and yearning for more excitement. Additionally, a few reviewers found the pacing to be slow, impacting their overall enjoyment of the book.
Though the majority of the reviews were positive, a subset of readers expressed dissatisfaction with the ending of "The Burglar." They felt it was unsatisfying, leaving too many loose ends and subsequently diminishing their overall satisfaction with the novel.
TheBurglarBook CrimeFiction MysteryNovel