Summary of the work - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Short summary - Farewell, My Lovely by Raymond Chandler

'Farewell, My Lovely' by Raymond Chandler is a seminal work of hard-boiled detective fiction that is characterized by its gripping story, intricate plot, sharp dialogue, and vivid descriptions of the seedy underworld of Los Angeles. The novel was first published in 1940 and features the iconic character of detective Philip Marlowe as the protagonist.

The story is set in Los Angeles and follows Marlowe as he investigates a missing person case that eventually leads him down a dangerous path. The novel is divided into thirty-seven chapters, and each chapter is a separate episode in Marlowe's investigation, with the plot intricately woven together to create a compelling narrative.

The novel opens with Marlowe being hired by Moose Malloy, a giant of a man, who is looking for his former girlfriend, Velma Valento, whom he believes has disappeared. As Marlowe begins to investigate the case, he discovers that Velma Valento is not the only missing person in L.A. and that there is a connection between the missing persons and a nightclub called Florian's.

Marlowe's investigation takes him to various parts of Los Angeles, including seedy bars and gangster hideouts. Along the way, he meets a cast of intriguing characters, each with their own secrets and motivations, including the nightclub owner, Jessie Florian, and her daughter, Anne Riordan. He also encounters a crooked cop named Lieutenant Nulty, who is working with a gang of thieves to find a valuable jade necklace.

As Marlowe delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of deceit and corruption that involves organized crime, police corruption, and a dangerous femme fatale named Helen Grayle. Marlowe is forced to navigate dangerous situations and confront his own moral code as he tries to solve the case.

Throughout the novel, Chandler's writing is characterized by his sharp dialogue, vivid descriptions of Los Angeles, and his ability to create a nuanced and complex protagonist in Marlowe. The novel is a commentary on American society at the time, highlighting the corruption and darkness that can be found beneath the surface of even the most glamorous cities.

As the novel progresses, Marlowe's investigation becomes increasingly dangerous, and he is forced to risk everything to uncover the truth. He eventually discovers that Velma Valento is dead, and he narrowly escapes being killed himself. In the end, Marlowe solves the case, but not without paying a heavy personal price.

'Farewell, My Lovely' is a timeless classic of the detective fiction genre that has remained popular with readers for over 80 years. The novel's intricate plot, vivid characters, and sharp dialogue make it a must-read for anyone interested in the genre, and it remains one of the best examples of hard-boiled detective fiction ever written.