--- Richard Moore <
moorich@aol.com> wrote:
> >
> Well, I do respect the differences of opinion
which
> make this list
> so rewarding. I think few writers have captured
the
> loneliness and
> desperation of urban America better than
Woolrich.
> That is one of
> the off-putting things for me about WALTZ as it is
a
> period piece.
> But most of all, I thought the main character
was
> such a sap.
>
You know why I really love Woolrich? And I have to preface
this with my agreeing with just about everything you
mentioned. To me, Woolrich is such an off-the-wall experience
that I am not so much concerned with his succeeding in his
books as much as admiring what he attempts. For my money,
"Waltz" is a great read because it is a period noir -- and it
don't get much more noir than "Waltz" -- and that is
something that touches are whether noir stories are of a
particular time or not -- and I also loved screaming out
loud, "You dumb moron" as I read the story. It's also an epic
story and everybody but the Russians believe that if it's
going to be depressing, keep it short. In all honesty, I read
Woolrich differently than I read other writers so I
completely understand where you're coming from. Even so, I
think it is one of his most ambitious and darkest works and
can see why others might not think so.
William
Essays and Ramblings
<http://www.williamahearn.com>
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