Thursday, January 6, 2011

Give Us a Kiss: a Country Noir/ Daniel Woodrell/ 237p.

While the subject matter is much the same as the other Woodrell books I've read lately, this one was funny - darkly comic, I guess I should say. The author hails from West Table, MO, in the heart of Ozark country. Woodrell's way with prose and mastery of the local dialect makes for some colorful, often hilarious dialogue.

The story is crime fiction by category, but also explores the feeling of coming home again as an adult, and familial predestination (for lack of a better term). I've wondered when reading the author's other books, but especially with this story, how much is autobiographical? There are points in the book where it seems Woodrell is speaking directly of his own experience.

The book oozes with sex, violence and strong language. It is not for those who are even somewhat easily offended. But if you don't mind the above, chances are this fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking novel will appeal to you.

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