Condominium

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Summary: Golden years, dream homes...only on the surface.
Review: "Condominium" may be MacDonald's best novel. Much of it is still relevant after 20 years. No other book I've read captures the perils and paranoias of aging with such pithy eloquence. Here on the wet coast of British Columbia, this novel has new relevance, for we have leaky condos by the hundreds.

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Summary: Where it all begins
Review: An awesome look at the reality of what they do to the old people here in Florida. MacDonald essentially indicts our entire society. This novel's more relevant today than ever, MacDonald was truly visionary. These characters are real people and they live here in Florida, except for the hero character, Sam Harrison, who might as well have been named Travis McGee. I haven't read all of Johnny Mac, but this might be his best one.

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Summary: one of his very best
Review: did read it a few times, absoluty love it, i have, and have read every one of his books....

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Summary: John D.'s best? Maybe.
Review: I hesitate to call Condominium John D. MacDonald's best novel, not yet having plowed through his entire canon. I will say, though, that it is the best of his novels that I have read to date.

The story's build and momentum is remarkable, simulating the steady gathering of storm clouds in a hurricane like the one that brings this novel to its climax. From page one, the reader knows that trouble is brewing, and after the introduction of several shady characters bent on exploiting the masses lured to the American Eden, you begin to crave a good comeuppance for the corrupt.

Only, life has an odd way of punishing not only the rotten, but the innocent who cross their path.

MacDonald is always true to the social reality of Florida and, make no mistake, this book is as timely as when it was first printed. Finely written and one of MacDonald's most engaging reads.

Rating:
Summary: John D.'s best? Maybe.
Review: I hesitate to call Condominium John D. MacDonald's best novel, not yet having plowed through his entire canon. I will say, though, that it is the best of his novels that I have read to date.

The story's build and momentum is remarkable, simulating the steady gathering of storm clouds in a hurricane like the one that brings this novel to its climax. From page one, the reader knows that trouble is brewing, and after the introduction of several shady characters bent on exploiting the masses lured to the American Eden, you begin to crave a good comeuppance for the corrupt.

Only, life has an odd way of punishing not only the rotten, but the innocent who cross their path.

MacDonald is always true to the social reality of Florida and, make no mistake, this book is as timely as when it was first printed. Finely written and one of MacDonald's most engaging reads.

Rating:
Summary: This is a stellar book. PRIME John D. MacDonald
Review: If you like exceptional writing, a fascinating plot, great dialog and a bit of sleaze, this is the book for you. Condominium is a perfect introduction to the incredible talents of John D. MacDonald. Buy it, read it, and be prepared to become addicted to the work of this great American writer.

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Summary: A chilling commentary on "retirement."
Review: John D. MacDonald is ruthless. First, he pillories "community leaders" whose greed and self agrandizement victimize retirees who flock to the tropical paradise of the Florida keys. Then, just as ruthlessly, he describes the realities of the "golden years," years of disenchantment, boredom, paranoia, disease. Here the master (ask Hiaasen and other younger authors whom he as inspired) turns from his usual genre, the detective romp, to a disaster saga. His Hurricane Ella wreaks havoc on scam artist and mark alike. A very good read . . .a very illuminating expose. Never been disappointed yet with a J.D. MacD. novel

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Summary: FABULOUS! From back cover:
Review: Welcome to Golden Sands, the dream condominium built on a weak foundation and a thousand dirty secrets. John D. MacDonald's biggest, most powerful novel to date.
Here is a paranoid look at the shocking facts of life in a Sun Belt community: the real estate swindles and political payoffs, the maintenance charges that run up and the health benefits that run out, the crackups and marital breakdowns, the disaster that awaits those who play in the path of the hurricane.....
From inside cover:

Everyone dreams of a place in the sun, High-rolling developer Marty Liss has made millions packaging and merchandising that dream. But for the residents of Golden Sands condominium the dream is becoming a nightmare.
The surly manager has an appetite for women, no taste for work, and an ironclad contract. And the manicured exterior of Golden Sands conceals a tangle of restless marriages and unsatisfied hungers....