Double Image

Rating:
Summary: odd -- fractured -- postmodern -- challenging
Review: this was the first book i read by morrell, although his reputation preceded him. i thought the portion of double image devoted to questions of identity in photographic subjects was fairly well-developed, but -- as other reviewers have noted -- the story is divided between plots that never entirely line up and whose thematic parallels falter. morrell resists several conventions of his genre (most notably the singular narrative structure that allows readers to progress from first to last page without pausing for reflection), and this resistance creates possibilities in the relationship between narrator and reader that could have been developed to much greater effect. as a result, this book could have been better in one of two ways: either morrell should have stuck with convention and written two separate, fully-matured novels (one about documentary/news photography, the other about mysterious attractions between a photographer and another photographer's model); or he should have thought through the possibilities open to a new literary form employing best-seller readability with resistant structural challenges that not only force readers to pause and reflect, but also offer some conceptual insight into the functionings of photography as a whole.

Rating:
Summary: odd -- fractured -- postmodern -- challenging
Review: this was the first book i read by morrell, although his reputation preceded him. i thought the portion of double image devoted to questions of identity in photographic subjects was fairly well-developed, but -- as other reviewers have noted -- the story is divided between plots that never entirely line up and whose thematic parallels falter. morrell resists several conventions of his genre (most notably the singular narrative structure that allows readers to progress from first to last page without pausing for reflection), and this resistance creates possibilities in the relationship between narrator and reader that could have been developed to much greater effect. as a result, this book could have been better in one of two ways: either morrell should have stuck with convention and written two separate, fully-matured novels (one about documentary/news photography, the other about mysterious attractions between a photographer and another photographer's model); or he should have thought through the possibilities open to a new literary form employing best-seller readability with resistant structural challenges that not only force readers to pause and reflect, but also offer some conceptual insight into the functionings of photography as a whole.

Rating:
Summary: One of Morrel's Worst...
Review: Unfortunately, the Booklist review is quite accurate and Double Image is comprised of two stories that are poorly integrated. Additionally, the character development is weak and character motivations seem "out-of-character" and contrived. On several occasions I was tempted to disspose of the novel. Though, with morbid fascination, I continued reading to uncover how many more irrelevant and unrelated plot twists Morrel was going to throw in. The story itself is worthy of a 1 ranking, while following the mistakes of a prominant writer (Morrel) earns a 5, thus averaging a 3 overall. It was a very dissapointing read in light of Morrel's previous efforts. Also, it's always a shame to give away ~$20 for a book that doesn't entertain.

Rating:
Summary: Good effort falls short
Review: Who knew that one photograph could change your life so much! The main character in this book certainly didn't suspect that would happen! This book was a quick read (ie I couldn't put it down!), and the thrill/suspense level was right up there. I had to read it during the daytime! The twists and turns were incredible, and I didn't see them coming at all! I really enjoyed reading it, and I enjoyed the end.

Rating:
Summary: A thrill ride with unbelievable twists
Review: Who knew that one photograph could change your life so much! The main character in this book certainly didn't suspect that would happen! This book was a quick read (ie I couldn't put it down!), and the thrill/suspense level was right up there. I had to read it during the daytime! The twists and turns were incredible, and I didn't see them coming at all! I really enjoyed reading it, and I enjoyed the end.

Rating:
Summary: Keeps You Guessing
Review: You know when a book promises 'surprising' twists, and you are then able to forecast what's going to happen next, which is disappointing? "Double Image" won't disappoint you. As I read the over 400 pages in this novel, I truly had no idea what would happen to the main character, Mitch Coltrane, and that was refreshing. This book has an expansive plot - you could argue too expansive - that moves from Eastern Europe, to California, to Mexico, and interweaves several subplots involving war crimes, stalking, and premeditated murder. Coltrane, a professional photographer, starts off the novel by photographing a war criminal whose deeds are being investigated by the UN. He succeeds, but pays a heavy price. He also encounters a noted photographer, Randolph Packard, who draws him into completing a project Packard began in the 1920s-30s, photographing unique houses in Los Angeles. A simple project, on the surface, which leads to Coltrane's obsession with a woman Packard secretly photographed in the 1940s, an actress named Rebecca Chance. When Coltrane himself becomes obsessed with Rebecca through the 50-year-old photos, he discovers she mysteriously disappeared, leading him to search for what happened to her. Author David Morrell handles the complex plot well, and although a lot of action is crammed into a short period of time, there's enough realism in the characters and situations to keep you reading and caring about what's going to happen next. The final section of the book is truly surprising as the mystery of what happened to Rebecca Chance is revealed, and the legacy of her relationship with two men obsessed by her - three men, if you count Coltrane. Worth reading.

Rating:
Summary: Keeps You Guessing
Review: You know when a book promises `surprising' twists, and you are then able to forecast what's going to happen next, which is disappointing? "Double Image" won't disappoint you. As I read the over 400 pages in this novel, I truly had no idea what would happen to the main character, Mitch Coltrane, and that was refreshing. This book has an expansive plot - you could argue too expansive - that moves from Eastern Europe, to California, to Mexico, and interweaves several subplots involving war crimes, stalking, and premeditated murder. Coltrane, a professional photographer, starts off the novel by photographing a war criminal whose deeds are being investigated by the UN. He succeeds, but pays a heavy price. He also encounters a noted photographer, Randolph Packard, who draws him into completing a project Packard began in the 1920s-30s, photographing unique houses in Los Angeles. A simple project, on the surface, which leads to Coltrane's obsession with a woman Packard secretly photographed in the 1940s, an actress named Rebecca Chance. When Coltrane himself becomes obsessed with Rebecca through the 50-year-old photos, he discovers she mysteriously disappeared, leading him to search for what happened to her. Author David Morrell handles the complex plot well, and although a lot of action is crammed into a short period of time, there's enough realism in the characters and situations to keep you reading and caring about what's going to happen next. The final section of the book is truly surprising as the mystery of what happened to Rebecca Chance is revealed, and the legacy of her relationship with two men obsessed by her - three men, if you count Coltrane. Worth reading.