Live by Night: (Coughlin, Book 2) (Joe Coughlin Series, 1)

Reviewers widely praise Dennis Lehane's "Live by Night" for its compelling narrative and masterful prose. Many highlight the author's ability to create a vivid and immersive historical setting, transporting readers to the Prohibition and Depression-era America of the 1920s and 30s, from Boston speakeasies to the rum-running streets of Tampa and Cuba. The writing is consistently described as flowing, crisp, and dynamic, with particularly strong and believable dialogue that keeps the story engaging from beginning to end. Readers appreciate the intricate plot, which is full of action, suspense, and unexpected turns, maintaining a brisk pace. The novel is also lauded for its complex and well-developed characters, especially its strong female figures, and its exploration of deeper themes such as the nature of criminality, the impact of parental legacies, and societal hypocrisy. Joe Coughlin, the protagonist, is often seen as a nuanced anti-hero, capable of both terrible deeds and surprising empathy, challenging traditional notions of good versus bad.

Despite its strengths, some reviewers found "Live by Night" to have certain shortcomings. A common criticism is that the plot, while engaging, occasionally feels unoriginal or derivative of other gangster narratives, failing to break new ground in the genre. Some felt the story became episodic in places, with certain sections, particularly the latter two-thirds, veering into Hollywood cliché. Concerns were raised about the believability of certain character decisions or the protagonist's rapid rise in the criminal hierarchy. While many praised character development, a few felt that some characters, including Joe, could be flat or that the development was incomplete. The novel's grim and dark view of humanity was not universally appreciated, with some finding it lacking a hopeful resolution. There were also isolated comments about an overly descriptive writing style in parts, or instances where the author's attempts at romance felt out of place. Additionally, some readers noted the use of racial slurs and derogatory language, though acknowledged as contextually accurate for the period, found it jarring.

Overall, "Live by Night" is generally considered a very good to excellent book, with many readers ranking it highly among Dennis Lehane's works, and some even preferring it to its predecessor, "The Given Day," which it can be read independently of. It is highly recommended for fans of historical crime fiction, gangster tales, and those who appreciate richly drawn period settings. Readers who enjoy complex anti-heroes, thematic explorations of morality and society, and a blend of action with deeper reflection will likely find this novel particularly satisfying. While it may not appeal to those seeking a purely fresh plot or a less grim outlook on life, it stands as a testament to Lehane's storytelling prowess and his ability to craft an immersive and thought-provoking narrative.