Books matching: country noir
33 result(s)
Readers also searched for:
- #1
In the Ozarks, the novel "Tomato Red" by Daniel Woodrell follows the lives of Sammy Barlach, a meth head drifter, and siblings Jamalee and Jason Merridew who are looking to escape their life in Venus Holler, a low-life part of town. The story is a country noir with a small murder mystery plot, rich setting, and believable characters. Woodrell's writing style captures the melancholy and desperation of the characters as they navigate poverty, hopelessness, and the desire for a better life.
“Woodrell’s storytelling is as melodic, jangly, and energetic as a good banjo riff . . . If one is tempted to hear the echoes of William Faulkner, or Erskine Caldwell . . . no matter. Mr. Woodrell isn... - #2
In "Winter's Bone" by Daniel Woodrell, the story follows Ree Dolly, a strong 17-year-old girl from the Ozarks, who takes on the responsibility of caring for her family when her parents fail. Her father has skipped bail, leaving the family at risk of losing their home. Ree sets out to find him, dead or alive, delving into the harsh poverty and dangerous world of the Ozarks. The novel portrays a stark and gritty existence, filled with violence, poverty, and a code of silence that dominates the community. Woodrell's writing is intense and powerful, painting a vivid picture of Ree's struggle for survival and the complex characters she encounters.
The book is a raw and tragic coming-of-age story set in a world that is both familiar and brutal, where Ree must navigate through backwoods crime and betrayal to protect her family. Woodrell's storytelling captures the harsh realities of life in the Ozarks, with lyrical descriptions of the landscape and characters that feel real and complex. The novel unfolds with a compelling plot, driven by a strong female protagonist facing challenges that test her resilience and strength in a world where family bonds are paramount.
REE DOLLY stood at break of day on her cold front steps and smelled coming flurries and saw meat. Meat hung from trees across the creek. The carcasses hung pale of flesh with a fatty gleam from low li... - #3
Go With Me by Castle Freeman Jr. is a country noir novella that follows two main narratives. One narrative revolves around Lillian's quest to confront the dangerous villain, Blackway, with the help of Lester and Nate. The other narrative showcases a group of old timers engaging in witty and pithy discussions as they spend their days drinking in an old mill office, providing a contextual commentary on Lillian's journey. Freeman's writing style is described as sparse realism, with frugal details and a focus on character development through authentic dialogue.
- #4
Set against the backdrop of the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and prohibition, 'The Tilted World' by Tom Franklin and Beth Ann Fennelly is a gripping tale of moonshiners, revenuers, murder, and the power of nature. The authors intricately weave a story of dual protagonists, Ingersoll and Dixie Clay, whose lives become intertwined amidst the rising floodwaters, leading to a stunning crescendo. The book is praised for its vivid and atmospheric writing style that captures the essence of the time and place, making the characters come alive with their past pain and struggles.
The overhanging roof of the general store where federal revenue agents Ham Johnson and Ted Ingersoll hitched their horses was tin, so at first they didn’t hear anything but the rain, endless marbles e... - #5
'Bull Mountain' by Brian Panowich is a multigenerational crime saga set in the rural and isolated area of Bull Mountain, Northern Georgia. The story follows the Burroughs family dynasty and their criminal enterprises involving moonshine, marijuana, and meth. The narrative jumps back and forth in time among family members, revealing the deep-rooted history of the family and the violent legacy that defines them. As the story unfolds, conflicts arise within the family, especially between Sheriff Clayton Burroughs and his criminal brother, Halford, leading to a chain of events that test loyalties and bring about unexpected consequences.
The book is praised for its gripping storyline, well-drawn characters, and intricate family dynamics. The writing style is described as spare yet impactful, with a carefully plotted narrative that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end. The structure of the book, which shifts between past and present timelines, adds depth to the storytelling and allows for a gradual revelation of the true nature of the characters and their connections.
- #6
Give Us a Kiss by Daniel Woodrell follows the story of Doyle Redmond, a hillbilly novelist who returns to the Ozarks to convince his brother Smoke to turn himself in. However, things take a dangerous turn when a rival clan, the Dollys, become interested in the Redmonds' work, leading to intense fighting and shooting. The book is described as a country noir with a gritty and down-to-earth portrayal of the Ozarks, complete with vivid descriptions of the landscape and characters. Woodrell's writing style is praised for its use of metaphors, dialogue, and wry humor that captivates readers from start to finish.
I HAD A FAMILY errand to run, that’s all, but I decided to take a pistol. It was just a little black thirty-two ladystinger and I tucked it into the blue pillowcase that held my traveling clothes. The... - #7
'Gods of Howl Mountain' by Taylor Brown is a gritty country noir novel set in the Southern Mountains just after the Korean War. The story follows Rory, a young disabled Korean war veteran and moonshine runner, as he navigates the violent and atmospheric world of Howl Mountain. The plot revolves around Rory's involvement in moonshine trade, his interactions with colorful characters like Granny Mae and Eustace, and the unfolding consequences of Granny May's feud with a rival moonshiner. The writing style is described as beautiful and powerful, with finely layered characters and a setting that immerses the reader in the mountains of northwest North Carolina.
The machine started at dusk, headlights slashing their way down the old switchbacks that ribbed the mountain’s slopes, thunder and echo of thunder vaulting through the ridges and hollers on every side... Blood Meridian: Or the Evening Redness in the West by Cormac McCarthy is a brutal and violent tale set in the American Southwest and Mexico during the 19th century. The story follows a young man known as The Kid who joins a group of scalp hunters led by the enigmatic and ruthless Judge Holden. The book delves into themes of violence, survival, and the darkness of human nature, all portrayed through McCarthy's haunting and vivid prose. The narrative is bleak and unrelenting, showcasing the harsh realities of life on the border between Mexico and America, where evil takes on human form in the physical world.
The book is described as a western where the Wild West is stripped of any heroic illusions, focusing instead on a group of merciless scalp hunters collecting bounties along the US-Mexico borderlands. McCarthy's writing style is elegant, detached, and breath-catching, rendering the beauty of the desert landscapes, the brutality of survival, and the emotional bankruptcy of the characters with exquisite detail. The characters, especially the enigmatic Judge Holden, provide a glimpse into mankind's addiction to violence, making the novel a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of morality and human nature.
See the child. He is pale and thin, he wears a thin and ragged linen shirt. He stokes the scullery fire. Outside lie dark turned fields with rags of snow and darker woods beyond that harbor yet a few ...- #9
Crimes in Southern Indiana by Frank Bill is a collection of dark and violent short stories set in the backwoods country of Southern Indiana. The tales revolve around rednecks involved in meth cooking, army veterans struggling with PTSD, and characters engaged in various criminal activities like murder, rape, and drug dealing. The stories are interconnected, featuring unlikable and despicable characters, painting a raw and unflinching picture of the dark side of life in a remote, rural county. The writing style is described as powerful, with a detached narrative that presents a cold and brutal reflection of a small portion of Indiana, creating a sense of place that is palpable and evocative.
Pitchfork and Darnel burst through the scuffed motel door like two barrels of buckshot. Using the daisy-patterned bed to divide the dealers from the buyers, Pitchfork buried a .45-caliber Colt in Karl... - #10
'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurtry is a sprawling epic Western novel that follows the journey of two aging ex-Texas Rangers, Augustus McCrae and Woodrow Call, as they set out on a perilous cattle drive from Texas to Montana. The narrative is rich in historical detail, exploring themes of friendship, adventure, love, and survival in the rugged landscape of the American West. Through vivid characterizations and intricate plotlines, the author paints a compelling portrait of the challenges and triumphs faced by a diverse cast of characters on their arduous journey.
WHEN AUGUSTUS CAME OUT on the porch the blue pigs were eating a rattlesnake—not a very big one. It had probably just been crawling around looking for shade when it ran into the pigs. They were having ...