Gary Smith discusses The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler

We’re excited to chat with Gary Smith about The Long Goodbye. Check out our conversation below.

Gary, it’s so good to be connecting again, this time to discuss one of your favorite books. So – let’s jump right in, can you tell us about The Long Goodbye – what should our readers know about this book?
The Long Goodbye was written as his wife, Cissie, was dying. Cissie’s dying drove him into fits of melancholy and led him to attempt suicide. Two characters in the novel are based on Chandler’s awareness of his flaws—his alcoholism and his doubts about the value of his writing. The novel is notable for using hard-boiled detective fiction as a vehicle for social criticism. The book received the Edgar Award for Best Novel.

Alcoholic Lennox asks private investigator Philp Marlowe to get him out of the country after his wife’s murder. Marlowe is drawn into a sordid crowd of adulterers and alcoholics. This book contains several mysteries woven into one suspenseful story that keeps the reader turning the page. For many, it’s all about the mystery and suspense. I find the underlying message about friendships the most appealing.

Great, so maybe you can get into a bit more detail about why this book feels relevant to you and perhaps you can touch on any lessons or insights that resonated with you?
Before I start writing a new novel, I read The Long Goodbye. The way Chandler develops his characters is magnificent. They come to life and are genuine. It is an authentic commentary on life today. I personally like being reminded of the importance of friendships and how quickly they can be made.

How did you feel about the ending? Was it satisfying? Disappointing? Unexpected?
I thought it had a great ending. It did remind me of a friend who let me down and could relate to it.

How did you discover this book?
I saw the movie The Big Sleep and loved it. It was based on the Raymond Chandler book of the same name. I found out it was his first book and that he was involved in writing the screenplay. I started reading all six of his novels. The Long Goodbye was his last. I found it the most emotional of them and the best.

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