Book Review - Double Indemnity, James M Cain (Book and Movie)

TITLE:  Double Indemnity

AUTHOR:  James M. Cain

PUBLISHER:  Vintage Crime/Black Lizard/Random House

PUB. YEAR: (1936) reprint: (1992)

Setting: CA

Format: print

Rating - 4.5/5

Walter Huff is a decent enough guy, he's single and is an insurance salesmen in Beverly Hills, CA. He is lured into a murder plot by an attractive vixen who is looking to have her husband killed once he purchases and accidental death policy. He meets Phyllis Nirdlinger, the soon to be victim's wife, while making a house call on her husband who is out at the time. The two hit it off and them meet several times to come up with a plan.

The story is told as Walter looks back on how the met Phyllis, how the plot is carried out and how things quickly spiral out of control.

This was a well-craft, murder mystery and just 118 pages. Since it was first written in 1936 some aspects of the story certainly felt dated but, it in no way detracted from my enjoyment of this page turner.

I first learned about this book when I recently read Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson and, I decided to purchase it. I'm glad I did.  I then watched the (1944) film version on TCM starring Fred MacMurray as Walter, Barbara Stanwyck as Phyllis and Edward G. Robinson as Walter's boss.  The movie is slightly different from the book, (Walter's last name is different as was Phyllis's and the ending was different as well). The movie was very enjoyable but, I liked the book a bit better.

This is my first completed book from my Summer Reading List - 2020.

Double Indemnity - (1944)

Editorial Reviews

Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck star in the gripping film noir classic, Double Indemnity, directed by Academy Award winner Billy Wilder. A calculating wife (Stanwyck) encourages her wealthy husband to sign a double indemnity policy proposed by smitten insurance agent Walter Neff (MacMurray). As the would-be lovers plot the unsuspecting husband’s murder, they are pursued by a suspicious claims manager (Edward G. Robinson). It’s a race against time to get away with the perfect crime in this suspenseful masterpiece that was nominated for 7 Academy Awards including Best Picture.

The Wife; Meg Wolitzer

TITLE: The Wife
AUTHOR:  Meg Wolitzer

PUBLISHER:  Blackstone Audio

PUB. YEAR: 2015

SETTING:  Finland (flashbacks to NYC and MA)
FORMAT:  - audio download library(8 hours)
RATING: 4.5/5

The Wife is the story of a 40 year marriage that plays out over just 4 days.

Joe and Joan Castleman met in 1956 when Joan was a Smith College student and Joe was a literature professor there.  Joe was married at the time but, he was the kind of man who loved the pretty girls and they had a hard time resisting him as well. The two hook up, marry and Joan gives up her dreams of becoming a writer for marriage and motherhood.  Joe, according to Joan, was "one of those men who owned the world."

As the novel opens the couple are bound for Finland where Joe is to be awarded the prestigious Helsinki Prize for Literature. Joan is steaming, sick of taking a back seat to Joe and deciding she has had just about enough of this marriage.  Over a 4 day period, told through Joan's POV, we see flashbacks of their married life.

This is not a terribly long book, 8 hours on audio and approx. 225 pages, I loved the way the story's told and how it played out. It's a terrific character study with sometimes witty and sarcastic characterizations about being married to a womanizer and a narcissist. I really liked it and want to see the movie now. The audio was marred by Dawn Harvey who did a great job with the voice of the disgruntled Joan.

I loved this intro paragraph ....

THE MOMENT I decided to leave him, the moment I thought, enough, we were thirty-five thousand feet above the ocean, hurtling forward but giving the illusion of stillness and tranquility. Just like our marriage, I could have said, but why ruin everything right now? Here we were in first-class splendor, tentatively separated from anxiety; there was no turbulence and the sky was bright, and somewhere among us, possibly, sat an air marshal in dull traveler’s disguise, perhaps picking at a little dish of oily nuts or captivated by the zombie prose of the in-flight magazine. Drinks had already been served before takeoff, and we were both frankly bombed, our mouths half open, our heads tipped back. Women in uniform carried baskets up and down the aisles like a sexualized fleet of Red Riding Hoods.

Books Read and Week in Review - W/E - 5/13/2017

Happy Mother's Day

On Mother's Day I'm feeling very proud and grateful for having (2) wonderful children who continue to amaze me with the compassion and love and work ethic that they display everyday. I love you both and thank you for the beautiful granddaughters you have given me.

Christmas in May

Books Read

(finished (2) books this week)

The Fall of Lisa Bellow; Susan Perabo
Simon & Schuster Audio- 2017

(My Thoughts) Meredith Oliver is a 13 year old girl, Lisa Bellow is her nemesis.  One day during an armed robbery at the local Deli Barn Lisa is kidnapped, while Meredith crouches on the floor nearby. Over the next several months, Meredith struggles to make sense of what has happened and even imagines what possibilities her kidnapped classmate is now experiencing.  he Fall of Lisa Bellow explores, what happens to the girl who is left behind. There are several threads running through this story which I thought seemed to distract from the focus of this story. Although I enjoyed listening to the audio, in the end I felt like I wanted something more in terms of a resolution. (3.5/5 STARS)

Anything is Possible; Elizabeth Strout
Random House - 2017 (eGalley)

(My Thoughts) - I loved Strout's last novel, My Name is Lucy Barton, and having read that book certainly added to my enjoyment of, Anything is Possible, which returns the reader back to rural Amgash, Illinois and many of the characters we read about previously.  This novel reads like a collection of interconnected stories and it delves into the private lives of those who still reside in this close-knit community. Although Lucy Barton managed to escape Amgash and the hardships and her painful childhood, now 17 years later, she is a successful novelist, returning home to visit her brother Pete whose life somewhat resembles that of a hermit.  Strout knows how to delve into the psyche of her flawed characters, revealing what makes these humans tick.  I was very happy I read this one but, I do recommend reading Lucy Barton first. (4.5/5 STARS)

At the Movies

(We managed to see (2) movies this past week)

The Zookeeper's Wife - 2017

The Zookeeper's Wife tells the account of keepers of the Warsaw Zoo, Antonina and Jan Zabinski, who helped save hundreds of people and animals during the German invasion.  (IMDB)

I read about this true story about 9 years ago and although I liked the book, however,  the movie was even better (IMO). Jessica Chastain was amazing. (Be sure to see it)

The Dinner - 2017

Based on the novel by Herman Koch, The Dinner, had a limited release in our area but, we managed to see it on the big screen. Great cast, Richard Gere came across as the most normal of the parents.   The movie was okay but, in this case I liked the novel better.   Two sets of wealthy parents meet for dinner to decide what to do about a crime their sons have committed - IMDB.

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros - The Leisure Seeker; Michael Zadoorian

Every Tuesday I host First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros sharing the first paragraph, maybe two, of a book that I'm reading or plan to read soon.  

This week's book has been on my shelf since 2009. It's a soon to be a movie (2017) starring Donald Sutherland and Helen Mirren. The story is about an elderly couple seeking one last adventure.

The Leisure Seeker; Michael Zadoorian

William Morrow - 2009

One

MICHIGAN

"We are tourists.

I've recently come to terms with this.  My husband and I were never the kind who traveled to expand our minds. We traveled to have fun--Weeki Wachee, Gatlinburg, South of the Border, Lake George, Rock City, Wall Drug.  We have seen swimming pigs and horses, a Russian Palace covered with corn, young girls underwater drinking Pepsi-Cola from the seven-ounce bottle, London Bridge in the middle of a desert, a cycling cockatoo riding a tightrope."

Based on this intro, would you read more or pass on this book?

Feel free to join in by posting your own First Chapter First Paragraph Intro and linking below.

A Walk in the Woods -- the Movie

Loosely based on Bill Bryson's 1998 memoir,  A Walk in the Woods will appeal more to seniors, much like, Wild appealed more to 30-something crowd.

Bryson (Robert Redford) has been married to his wife, Catherine (Emma Thompson) for 40 years. The couple has a beautiful family and home in New Hampshire. After the couple attends the funeral for someone their age, Bryson goes for a walk near his property and notices a marker sign for the Appalachian Trail. He does some internet research, reassesses his life,  and decides to hike the 2,100 mile trail which runs from Maine to Georgia against his wife's wishes.  He solicits friends including some he hasn't seen in decades and, it's Steve Katz (Nick Nolte) who wants to join him after hearing about Bryson's intentions from someone else, 

Bryson and Katz couldn't be more different. Bryson is fit and disciplined, while Katz a former alcoholic is very overweight, has had a knee replacement  and is still rough and gruff, a man on the prowl. What follows is quite entertaining. There are lots of laughs to be found, some a bit over the top, but the best part of the movie was the quieter moments and conversations between the two 70-something men when they reflect on life and their younger days.

The scenery is gorgeous breathtaking along the way.  There were several people they meet while hiking, at a motel they stop to shower and sleep, and the laundromat where they freshen their clothes that both adds and detracts from the movie overall. This is one of those movies that we enjoyed more because of who the stars are and for what Redford and Nolte have accomplished over their careers as actors.  

Bryson and Katz were in their 40's when they hiked the Appalachian Trail, the fact that these (2) guys were crazy enough to think they could hike 2,100 miles in their 70's, is enough to give you an idea what their experience and the obstacles they faced might have been like.

The movie was less than two hours and was pretty entertaining. We were happy we saw it.

6/10 stars 

Love May Fail; Matthew Quick

Love May Fail; Matthew Quick

Harper - June 2015

Love May Fail is a quirky, yet at times, heartfelt story about finding yourself and person you were meant to be.

Portia Kane is the woman at the heart of the story. On the surface, she seems to live a pretty cushy life in Florida. The truth is she is married to a louse and she's put up with a lot from her husband,  who has earned his money as a porn producer, and is a big time womanizer. 

As the story opens Portia is hiding in her bedroom closet with a gun getting ready to catch her two-timing spouse h his latest fling, a girl half his age. She comes to her senses and spares his life, but leaves Florida and returns to her home town of New Jersey where her mother, a hoarder, still lives. Not much has changed since she left her home town, but after her experiences with her husband, Portia is on a quest to find the good in others.

After her old school friend Danielle tells her some disturbing news about her favorite former high school English teacher, Portia is determined to track him down and reconnect. She hopes to save Mr. Vernon, who has since retired after a traumatic event has left him depressed and suicidal.

There are several oddball characters that pop in and out of this story. Told through split narratives and flashbacks, the characters, much like Portia, are all in need of a new start in life. How that all shakes out is what makes this novel worth the reading.  I must admit this was a challenging read at times, I was not a fan of the writing style, but I was happy that I stuck it out, because there are not many books that can make me laugh and bring a tear to my eyes and this one did just that. If you love stories about second chances, this just may be the right book for you. (As with his, Silver Linings Playbook, this one, is likely to hit the big screen as well.)

4/5 stars

(review copy)

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo; Stieg Larsson

 

Title: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

Author:  Stieg Larsson

Publication Year: 2009

Publisher: Vintage Crime/Black Lizard

Edition: trade

Source: Purchased
Setting: Sweden

Date Completed: 12/28/2011 

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: yes


After falling for a clever hoax, financial journalist, Mikael Blomkvist is convicted of libel. Not only does he face a three month prison sentence, but his career in jeopardy as well.  Soon after, Henrik Vanger, an elderly, semi-retired executive of a prominent Swedish company hires him to investigate the disappearance of his great niece Harriet, who disappeared 36 years earlier at the age of 14.  Initially, Henrik asks him to write about the history of the Vanger family, but is clear that Blomkvist's real purpose will be to solve this decades-old case.  Henrik has been obsessed with having this case solved before he dies.  There has been no trace of her in all these years and it's assumed she is dead. However, every year on his birthday, he receives a mysterious gift of a pressed flower, like the ones his great-niece used to give him.

As Blomkvist begins to dig into the Vanger history, he hires the smart, highly talented, Lisbeth Salander to help with the investigation. She looks like a punk-rocker, and she is both tough and brilliant, with a talent for computer hacking. She's also heavily-tattooed and antisocial. 

For me, this novel started off extremely slow first (150+ pages), and I couldn't understand what all the hype was about. The translation from Swedish wasn't always smooth either, and there are several subplots, but I was determined to finish it as we are planning to see the movie (today).  Once the story got off the ground,  it had me quickly turning the pages.  Each time one mystery seems solved, another one surfaces. The setting is Sweden, and the atmosphere always felt dark and cold -- perfect for this story. The character development, especially of the two main characters was fantastic.  Lisbeth was a fantastic character, even though she could be a downer at times. Blomkvist was the perfect compliment to her, in my opinion. I felt like I was inside their mind at times.

Those who haven't read this one yet, should be aware that there are a couple of disturbing incidents of rape and other abuse against women. The story is definitely graphic at times.  If you aren't too disturbed as you read, by the end of this novel, I believe most readers will be anxious to read the (2) books which follow: The Girl Who Plays With Fire, and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. 

Have you read this one? What did you think?

We saw the American version of the movie this afternoon, and we thought it was great.  The graphic, sexual violence made me cringe. Despite that it was a terrific movie.  I am now anxious to read books 2, and 3.

38 - The Help; Kathryn Stockett

The Help, by Kathryn Stockett is a simply amazing debut novel that hooked me from the first chapter. It is sure to be one of my favorites for 2009.

The story takes place in Jackson, Mississippi, in the early 1960s. It is a story about the lives of black maids and the white women who employ them. It is also a story filled with hope, about (3) remarkable women set in difficult times. The voices are perfect pitch and even though the story deals with a serious topic, there is much humor for the reader to enjoy, and lessons to be learned by all.

We meet Eugenia Phelan (AKA ...Skeeter) who just graduated from Ole Miss College. Skeeter is back home living with her parents and she is bored with her friends. Her dream is to become a writer, and to move to New York City, but for now she is stuck in Jackson writing for the Junior League’s Newsletter. Her mother, however, has other dreams for Skeeter: to find her a rich husband from a good Southern family. Skeeter is tall, a bit socially awkward, but she is very sensitive. Realizing how badly the black maids ---“The Help” are treated by their white employers, she comes up with an idea to interview and write about the black maids in Jackson and their relationships with their white employers. This is a dangerous project that must be kept secret, but one that has the potential of changing the lives of so many. To Skeeter it is worth the risk, and it just may be her ticket out of Jackson and off to New York City if she succeeds. Abilene and Minny are the focus of the interviews although many more maids agree to participate.

Abilene is a 50 something black maid. She has endured many hardships including the death of her son in a tragic accident. Despite this she remains kind, sweet and dedicated to raising the children of her employers. Although she endures much discrimination, she tries not to judge people, and to remain loyal and kind to her employer, their family and their friends.

Minny is another black maid who has had many jobs. She is angry and bitter and she finds it hard to keep quiet about some of the discrimination she has seen. Minny cannot seem to follow her mother's advice which was preached to her. The (7) rules which can pretty much be summed up by “keep your mouth shut when it comes to white folks business”.

I don't want to say too much more, except to say that this is one of those books that will make you sad when you have turned the final page. The characters and story will live on in your memory long after you've finished this book. I found myself putting sticky notes throughout so I could reread certain parts.

I found it interesting that this story in part was inspired by the author’s own life growing up in Mississippi. Her family had a black maid named Demetrie. The maid died when the author was 16, and she never got to ask her how she felt about being black and working for a white family in Mississippi.

The Help is highly recommended.

RATING – 5/5 - COMPLETED – 3/7/09

WHERE FROM: Library