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The Long Goodbye

The Long Goodbye

ClassicsCrime
Pages
379
Published
1955
Language
English

Synopsis

Philip Marlowe takes on a case that starts with a friend in trouble and quickly spirals into a complex web of deceit, murder, and powerful figures. As Marlowe digs deeper, he finds himself entangled with a wealthy, troubled family and pursued by dangerous criminals, all while trying to uncover the truth behind a mysterious death.

Prose complexity
7/10

Vibe

DarkGrittyTenseAtmospheric
Morally GreyBetrayal

Genres

Classics Crime Mystery Literary Fiction Hardboiled

About the author

R
Raymond Chandler

Raymond Chandler is the mind behind the classic detective novel The Big Sleep. He's a master of hardboiled crime fiction, known for his sharp dialogue and gritty atmosphere. If you like your mysteries with a tough, cynical edge, you'll find a lot to enjoy here.

Characters

Philip MarloweProtagonist
Terry LennoxSupporting
All characters in The Long Goodbye

Frequently asked questions

  • Is The Long Goodbye a standalone story?

    While it features Philip Marlowe, a recurring character in Raymond Chandler's work, The Long Goodbye is designed to be read independently. The plot and character arcs are self-contained within this novel.

  • Are there any film adaptations of The Long Goodbye?

    Yes, The Long Goodbye was adapted into a film in 1973, directed by Robert Altman and starring Elliott Gould as Philip Marlowe. The adaptation takes a distinct approach to the source material, updating the setting and tone.

  • How does The Long Goodbye compare to Raymond Chandler's other Philip Marlowe novels?

    The Long Goodbye is often considered a more introspective and melancholic entry in the Philip Marlowe series, delving deeper into themes of friendship, loyalty, and moral decay than some of Chandler's earlier, more straightforward detective stories. It features a more complex and less action-driven plot.