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Discussion on Jim Thompson's 'The Getaway' with William Boyle

Discovering Jim Thompson's work for the first time at the age of twelve, I found myself drawn to cinema. Renting Stephen Frears's film adaptation of The Grifters from a local video store in southern Brooklyn, I subsequently asked my mom to purchase the novel during our next visit to a bookshop....

Discussion about William Boyle's thoughts on Jim Thompson's novel, 'The Getaway'
Discussion about William Boyle's thoughts on Jim Thompson's novel, 'The Getaway'

Discussion on Jim Thompson's 'The Getaway' with William Boyle

In the realm of pop cinema, the Sam Peckinpah and Walter Hill adaptation of Jim Thompson's "The Getaway" stands out as a "terse and vulgar pop cinema masterpiece," according to film writer Travis Woods. But for one enthusiast, the book itself is a "pure jolt of electricity."

This ardent reader first encountered Thompson's work at the tender age of twelve, with "The Grifters," and again at thirteen with "The Getaway." The end of "The Getaway" is described as "insane, Kafkaesque," a fitting testament to Thompson's mastery of surreal and paranoid narratives.

If you're seeking more novels that capture Thompson's unique style, look no further. "A Hell of a Woman," "After Dark, My Sweet," "The Grifters," and "Pop. 1280" all offer a blend of paranoia, psychological complexity, and dark humour that will appeal to fans of "The Getaway."

Recently, a guide to Thompson's work, including an essay by William Boyle on "The Getaway," was published by Éditions Rivages in France. The guide, which also features essays from Jerry Stahl, Hervé Le Corre, Pascal Dessaint, Laurent Chalumeau, Tonino Benacquista, and many others, offers a comprehensive exploration of Thompson's literary genius.

Simon Baril, who has translated all of William Boyle's novels, also translated Boyle's essay on "The Getaway." The guide includes an interview with James Sallis, adding another layer of insight into Thompson's work.

For Boyle, the opportunity to contribute to the guide was akin to a dream come true, thanks to the invitation from François and Jeanne Guyon. Re-reading "The Getaway" a few days ago, he found it as captivating as ever, a testament to Thompson's enduring relevance.

Indeed, Thompson's work, particularly "The Getaway," resonates strongly in an America on the verge of another reckoning. Boyle believes that Thompson's exploration of the dark underbelly of human nature and societal critique remains as pertinent today as it was when the novel was first published.

Interestingly, the speaker discovered many of their favourite writers through adaptations of their work. Thompson, it seems, is no exception. The opening of "The Getaway" with its shifting points of view, for instance, is a testament to Thompson's skill in crafting complex narratives that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

The guide to Jim Thompson's work is now available free of charge in bookstores, making it accessible to a wide audience eager to delve into the world of this masterful author. Whether you're a seasoned Thompson fan or a newcomer to his work, this guide offers a compelling introduction to one of the greatest writers in the noir genre.

In their pursuit of captivating literature, the suspenseful narratives found in Thompson's books, such as "A Hell of a Woman" and "After Dark, My Sweet," mimic the riveting opening of "The Getaway," keeping readers in a state of suspense. Furthermore, for those intrigued by lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and entertainment, the guide on Thompson's work, although focused on literary analysis, provides a glimpse into the intriguing world of Jim Thompson's style and themes.

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