Rating: 
Summary: An outstanding book by an outstanding writer
Review: It has been interesting to see Ellroy's writing evlolve into being perhaps the finest example of modern noir. While more conventional than White Jazz, American Tabloid brings together all of the elements that have made the JFK legend what it is today. A remarkable achievement.
Rating:
Summary: A sensational journey into a world with no morals, no trust,
Review: This is the first Ellroy I've read and I'm hooked. It's a real wallow in the mire, a wade through the gutter but exhilarating all the way. Elroy leads us a labyrinth of connections involving the Mob, the Kennedys, showbiz, Cuban emigres,the FBI, Cia, Howard Hughes and J. Edgar Hoover.If you think these connections are outlandish then have a look at "Ratpack Confidental". He leads us into a world where there is no right or wrong, no morality,no scruples,not even idealologies, ultimately not even trust between "lifelong friends". Brotherhood and fratricide is just one theme among many. Ultimately the only thing that matters in this nightmarish world is power,it's pursuit and it's retention. It's one of those books that achieve catharsis by displaying a truely rotten, totally corrupt world you're just so glad not to be a part of. And yes it's unputdownable.
Rating:
Summary: A brutal, amazing and brilliant book.
Review: This book reads like the hard edge formica tables its characters might sit at. Ellroy shows no mercy to either its fictional characters or real life citizens and its equal opportunity viciousness is mesmerizing. He has no fear and it shows. Intricately plotted so you'd better pay attention. This ain't a book you can read while the TV is on.
Rating:
Summary: Five Stars Aren't Enough For This One (or any of Ellroy's)
Review: James Ellroy is the best of the best, one hell of a writer and someone who will never, ever, let the reader down. I have read several of his works, and consider him the absolutely top writer in crime fiction today. In fact, let's just say it: Ellroy is one of the best writers in America PERIOD. Ellroy works hard at his craft, and it shows in the sheer delight that he affords the reader in his masterful use of the American language. His books never plod; the pacing is in total accord with the hard-edged words that he uses to tell his tales. In this book, the first volume of what will be his trilogy of the American underworld, Ellroy explores the FBI, the Kennedys, the mob, and Cuba. It's a fascinating and utterly plausible look at some well-known historical events. Ellroy's the man.
Rating:
Summary: Courageous, blunt and fascinating delivery
Review: Ellroy does a masterful job of portraying the seedy underbelly of American politics, and bringing everything together to portray society's larger-than-life figures as one. Exceptional novel, marvelous character development.
Rating:
Summary: stellar.
Review: In a word, frigginfantastic
Rating: 
Summary: Every good writer is entitled to...
Review: ...one poor book. And this is Ellroy's. Pretentious nonsense populated by one-dimensional psychopaths and their supposedly sophisticated, but actually incredibly silly, women. "Love" comes out of nowhere, at the drop of a hat. A weak-sister FBI agent begins a "relationship," out of the blue, with a physically scarred girl who, up until that moment, had been his de facto niece. She writes him a note that begins "School bodes." School bodes?! And she cries the first time he touches her scars. Yuck! Give it a miss.
Rating: 
Summary: Good, not great..
Review: I read this book with high expectations. I truly loved "The Black Dahlia", enjoyed the other 3 books in the LA Quartet (altough "White Jazz" is too rat-tat-tat in terms of style). As I said, my final toughts can be sumarized as good, not great. This is less rat-tat-tat, therefore more enjoyable and understandable than WJ. The characters (the main ones, at least), are weel written, with a lot of motivations and interesting timings on their passions (I must say, tought, that I stoped enjoying them when they became monomaniacs, whch at some points they all do). The main problem with the book is that it rushes toward the end. Yes, this also comes from the fact that I was enjoying the ride and that I wish it could last more. But even so, it ends too quickly, and with a sad note, in my opinion. Other (marginal) problem with the book is that all gossip regarding celebrities (or most of it, anyway) is pointless, thrown in only for the sake of it. Gets tiring, sometimes. Even so, this book should be read. I can't wait for the next two installments on this trilogy. I would prefer to read them back-to-back, this feeling of rush probably would be a bit diminished.
Rating:
Summary: Smashing!
Review: This is one of the best books I have ever read, James Ellroy is an excellent author. The whole book seems so real, it's impossible to believe this is fiction.
Rating:
Summary: Wow!
Review: Ever since I heard that James Ellroy wrote LA Confidential, I have been wanting to read some of his books. American Tabloid is my first and I loved this book. The plot was very, very good as were the characters. I really got attached the the main three. They each have their own train of thought and are very well developed (sometimes a rarity in this type of book) I particularly a lot of the irony that took place. Overall, I thought it was very, very good. I plan to read more of Ellroy's works.
|
