<-----------Original Message----------->
>Date: Tue, 8 Jul 2003 14:21:34 -0500
>From: Robison Michael R CNIN <
Robison_M@crane.navy.mil>
>Subject: RE: RARA-AVIS: Re: Georges
Simenon
>
>***********
>I thought it was Willeford month, too, but it
wouldn't make me
>unhappy to wait for the next month. That would give
me time to
>read some more of WRITING AND OTHER BLOOD SPORTS and
maybe even
>SIDESWIPE, NEW HOPE FOR THE DEAD, or SHARK-INFESTED
CUSTARD.
>Oh! WOMAN CHASER, too. Yeah! Good feeling to have all
those
>on the shelf waiting for me. Although I wish I had
COCKFIGHTER,
>too. Can't have everything, I guess.
>miker
I've read most of Willeford's prose, including the awesome
short story collection, and even Don Herron's "Willeford"
(which, in truth, is more about Don than Willeford! Don't
yelp, anyone: I know Don, and his ex is one of my best
friends) -- and am patiently waiting for Juda, so that I can
finally read the poetry.
The "Hoke" novels, for which he finally received some fame,
are actually my least favorites of Willeford's canon; a
little too over the top for me, although I do recommend the
film version of "Miami Blues".
I absolutely love his two autobiographical volumes, his early
50s novels are sheer wicked fun. I consider "A Burnt Orange
Heresy" one of the absolute best novels of the 20th Century,
in any genre; it's near the top of my to-be-reread
list.
But my personal favorite Willeford novel is
"Cockfighter".
It is not, particularly, a mystery. But if your definition of
"noir" hinges on the protagonist getting royally screwed in
the end ... I can think of no better example that I've ever
read.
[And, thanks to a discussion last year on r-a, I bought the
DVD of the filmed version. Don't be put off by the fact that
it is a Roger Corman film; it is a remarkably faithful
retelling of the novel. I'm sure that this is aided by the
fact that, iirc, Willeford wrote the screenplay; he also has
a cameo... Bump your daughter, and add this one to your
NetFlix wishlist, miker!]
Then again I might be prejudiced in that I attended a couple
of actual pit cockfights, courtesy of your tax dollars at
work, when I was stationed in the P.I., busily saving the
world from dominos ... in the late 60s.
..and, somewhere, have a box full of slides to prove
it.
I have no idea how much actual 'research' Willeford did, but
trust me ... he has the "atmosphere" down, stone cold.
I truly envy those approaching Willeford for the first
time.
He is not for the faint of heart.
-- Bill Bowers
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