I finally read an Andrew Vachss book. And now I know why Collomia loves them. The Burke books will be yet another series that I've started in the middle and will have to go back to the beginning to start again.
Before, I thought it was strange that the quotes on the "Acclaim for Andrew Vachss" page seemed so different:
"His writing has the power of a rogue elephant." --Cleveland Plain-Dealer
"It's wonderful. The words do leap off the page. The principal character is an original. The style is as clean as a haiku." --Washington Post
It seemed impossible for the same book to be compared to an elephant--a rogue elephant, no less--and a haiku. The two ideas just wouldn't mesh in my mind. Rapidly (within about seven pages), I realized that both critics were right. He uses the minimum amount of words for the maximum force:
"Too bad for you, boy. You look real close, you'll see my hand ain't empty."
I didn't have to look close. I knew what he'd have in his satchel--they don't use metal detectors on the Greyhound.
The dirty pile of blankets in the back of the Plymouth changed shape. The man grunted as he felt the round steel holes against the back of his neck.
"You hole card is a low card, motherfucker." The Prophet's voice, low and strong for such a tiny man. "I see your pistol and raise you one double-barrelled shotgun."
Phew. This book was written in 1989 but it felt like old noir--it's so completely perfect that Vintage Crime/ Black Lizard publishes these. Wonderful.
I haven't read any Vachss but after reading those bits I'm really curious now.
Posted by: iliana | 23 March 2005 at 10:50 AM
I loved it so much that I've been annoying everyone I work with by blathering about Vachss and Burke in every available second. I ILLed the first book, so hopefully it'll be here soon.
Posted by: leila | 23 March 2005 at 11:50 AM
Why does it take you 5 years to read the books I recommend? Don't you trust me? Gabe reads whatever I put into his hands immediately (he's got the Daughter of Time right now).
My reservations about them as "good" books has steadily grown, but for sheer rage, absurd fun and outright power I don't think they have an equal.
And how much do you love Max? He's the best.
Posted by: C.C. | 23 March 2005 at 12:43 PM
I loooove Max--I almost mentioned him in the original post, but I ran out of time.
I don't know why I do that. Of course I trust you. I just have a big pile of books. Like, 5 years worth.
Ooo. It might be time to re-read Brat Farrar.
Posted by: leila | 23 March 2005 at 01:50 PM