A Drink Before the War by Dennis Lehane Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of A Drink Before the War
Book Review: Lehane Doesn't Disappoint
Summary: 4 Stars
I am not an avid mystery reader, but I was so impressed with Mystic River that I wanted to try a Patrick Kenzie novel. I was not disappointed. I see why the fans are so faithful to this series.
The plot revolves around a deceptively simple request to retrieve sensitive documents that were stolen from a Senate office. As Lehane did in Mystic River, the main plot leads the story through the seedier side of Boston and becomes secondary to the incendiary situations presented peripherally. This time Lehane takes aim at corruption. Corruption of the soul and corruption of people. With a deft writing style, Lehane brings the reader into a war zone of gang violence and political irresponsibility, creating a backdrop of violence and deception. The tension is constant, and something is always simmering near the surface.
Some of the action and dialogue is clich?d, and some of the characters are of the classic stereotype mold. However, that can be all overlooked given this is an early work by Lehane. When his imagination matches his writing ability it is a joy to get lost in this nicely constructed story.
I am looking forward to meeting Patrick and Angela again in the second book of the series.
Book Review: A very good First Novel
Summary: 4 Stars
I'll admit, Mystery, and Detective books are not usually my favorite genre of story, so if it is yours take this with salt.
I really like the writing of Dennis LeHane, even though I typically would read sci-fi, given my choice. But here is the thing... LeHane uses very good mystery puzzles to be the background to the moral conundrums of the protagonist, who are a handful of (morally and emotionally) damaged people with various ideas of right and wrong.
And that is the basis of why I think that Mr. Lehane is sooooo good as a writer.
This book, "A Drink Before the War" is the beginning of the "Kenzie and Genarro" novels, and while I am glad that I read this book, I am also glad that I didn't read it before I had already read "Darkness Take My Hand", and "Sacred" which had me deeply committed to liking these characters. Because as good as this book is, LeHane truly improves at each outing, and while this book might not have hooked me, I was already hooked, so... The themes of Racism which pervade this story and might make one (Me) uncomfortable, and the slightly less polished style of writing did not turn me off to the book. I guess what I am saying is that this is a very good prequel, to the subsequent stories in this series, with essential background information to the character development.
So... Here is what I suggest, either read one of the other books first like I did accidentally, or read this (still very good) book, knowing that the story will only get better and better as the series develops.
Book Review: Went Out and Bought 4 More
Summary: 4 Stars
Really enjoyed this book. Even with books I like these days I feel a certain distance between the characters and the reader. In this one I really liked the gang and wanted to get to know them better. I especially like the protaganist, he is a lot of fun, warts and all. I am glad the female lead drops her rotten hubby as the series progresses. That sad relationship just didn't seem to fit with the general mood. I can't wait to read the others. I think the South Florida/Key West genre has ran out of ideas and interesting tales but I am finding a couple of series that have stepped in to fill the void. This is one of them. Give it a try. I don't grade on a curve, 4 stars is a very good book to me.Book Review: This author is greatness!
Summary: 5 Stars
Read this series in order for best impact. This book really gave me an appreciation for my own life. A must read! And you gotta love Bubba!Book Review: A Good First Effort
Summary: 3 Stars
Dennis Lehane is one of the best crime novelists in America today. His novel MYSTIC RIVER is considered by many to be one of the best genre novels ever written.
A DRINK BEFORE THE WAR is Lehane's first novel, written when he was in his mid-twenties. It is the first in a series of novels featuring two young Boston private investigators, Patrick Kenzie and Angela Gennaro. This novel is well written, but I wouldn't describe this as a great debut.
The major problem with this book is the rather thin, clunky plot. This novel starts well, but eventually devolves into a series of violent gunfights and car chases. Most of these action scenes struck me as more sensationalistic than realistic.
In-between the gunfights, we get a lot of rather preachy scenes about racism and the dark side of human nature. Although Lehane tries pretty hard to be balanced (he focuses on black racism as well as white racism) I found most of the scenes rather overwrought and heavy-handed.
Still, the writing and characterication in this novel is quite vivid. Many scenes in A DRINK BEFORE THE WAR really pack a strong emotional punch. This book isn't perfect, but it strongly hints at Lehane's potential as a great crime writer.
In short, this is a good but not great novel. If you're new to Lehane, you should probably read MYSTIC RIVER first, or GONE BABY GONE, one of the later Patrick/Angela novels that is considered by many to be the best in the series.