I am going to lead a discussion soon at the local B&N of
Cain's
_Mildred Pierce_. I am not sure it fits into the noir
tradition, in that there is no crime committed. And the darn
thing is prolix. However, it is certainly hard boiled, and
the motivations of both Mildred and Veda are fascinating.
They seems to be the only characters with power and control,
except for Mildred's mentor and friend Mrs. Gessler. It seems
to me the Depression is a powerful force in the book, and
that Mildred especially gets the desperation to succeed
financially from it. Yet is it more responsible for what
Mildred does than is Veda, and is Mildred responsible for
Veda's feelings for her? Is Veda a monster or is she also a
victim of fate, i.e., the Depression? I'd appreciate any
ideas. Thanks
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