Summary of the work - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Short summary - The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler

The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler is a masterpiece of crime fiction, a book that has stood the test of time and established itself as a classic of the genre. This book is not just a detective story, it is a complex and layered work that explores the depths of human relationships, morality, and the consequences of our actions.

The novel follows the character of Philip Marlowe, a private detective who is hired by his friend Terry Lennox to help him escape to Mexico after he allegedly murders his wife. Marlowe believes Lennox to be innocent and helps him flee the country. However, this decision sets in motion a chain of events that will lead Marlowe to question his own morality and the motives of those around him.

The story is divided into several parts, each of which builds upon the previous one to create a complex and multi-layered narrative. The first part introduces us to Lennox, a troubled war veteran who is married to a wealthy woman. When Lennox is accused of murder, Marlowe believes him to be innocent and helps him escape the country. As Marlowe helps Lennox flee, he becomes embroiled in a web of deceit and manipulation that forces him to question his own morality and the motives of those around him.

The second part of the novel takes place several months later, when Lennox returns from Mexico and is found dead. Marlowe becomes embroiled in the investigation of his death and discovers that Lennox was involved in a complex web of deceit and corruption. Marlowe is torn between his loyalty to Lennox and his duty to bring him to justice. He is also forced to question the loyalty of those around him, including his own friends and associates.

Throughout the novel, Chandler paints a vivid picture of Los Angeles society in the 1950s, a city that is synonymous with glamour, excess, and corruption. The wealthy and powerful use their influence to manipulate the system to their advantage, leaving those without power to fend for themselves. Marlowe is forced to confront the darker side of human nature as he navigates this corrupt society and uncovers the truth about Lennox's death.

The Long Goodbye is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that is not just a crime story, but a work that explores the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of our actions. Chandler's masterful writing creates a world that is both gritty and glamorous, a world that is both fascinating and disturbing. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in crime fiction or literature in general.

In summary, The Long Goodbye is a complex and multi-layered work that explores the depths of human nature and the consequences of our actions. It is a book that will leave you questioning your own morality and the motives of those around you. If you have not read this classic of crime fiction, you are missing out on one of the greatest books of the genre.