These are the friends of Eddie Coyle: Jackie Brown, the gun leader; Dillon, part-time contract killer; Jimmy Scalisi, gang leader. All the hoods, gunmen, drivers, thieves and executioners wheeling, dealing, and stealing in the world of Eddie Coyle, a small time punk with a big time problem.
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These are the friends of Eddie Coyle: Jackie Brown, the gun leader; Dillon, part-time contract killer; Jimmy Scalisi, gang leader. All the hoods, gunmen, drivers, thieves and executioners wheeling, dealing, and stealing in the world of Eddie Coyle, a small time punk with a big time problem.
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I had occasion 15 or so years ago to refer to this novel at a publishing conference when I was in that business, and was criticized for it, mostly by people who AI am certain hadn't read it. This was my first rereading since that time, and I satisfyingly stand by my admiration for it. Great characters, intricately plotted, and, as many commentators wiser than I have commented over the years (including the estimable Dennis Lehane, who wrote the intro), Higgins had a singularly brilliant ear for human speech of a particular type, making this a landmark in mid-20th century noir fiction. Still a great read.
colorado
Jun 11, 2009
George V Higgins
This novel was the first one that I had read by G V Higgins and it will be the first of many. His way of expressing the local dialect is by far the best that I have ever read. I would strongly recommend this book.
MaggieOBoyle
Jun 4, 2009
Like real people only better
Everyone who talks about this book talks about the dialog. Higgins has distilled the mundane talk of petty criminals and ordinary people into an essence of wit and insight. The plot isn't bad--enough red herrings, coincidence and crossed paths to be entertaining; not so many as to feel forced or contrived.
Cyberactor
Apr 2, 2007
Brilliant book
I was turned on to George V. Higgins through a friend. He found out that I like crime fiction and was astonished that I hadn't read "Friends of Eddie Coyle." He lent me the book and...I was hooked. Higgins is a brilliant storyteller and gives his characters a long, long leash to spin their various tales. "Eddie Coyle" has stories within stories and I have rarely read a book where the characters voices are so clear and distinctive. Think Elmore Leonard with a gift of gab. I am a HUGE fan of this book. You will be, too.
