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Go to My LibraryThe Big Sleep (SparkNotes Literature Guide)
- Language
- English
- Published in
- Publisher
- Spark
- Pages
- 80
- ISBN
- 9781411474123
Subjects
Original edition details
Other editions (74)
The Big Sleep A Film Adaptation Directed by Howard Hawks
1989 • Irvington Publishers
English
The Big Sleep (Special Edition)
2022 • Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
English
The Big Sleep
1988 • Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
English
The Big Sleep A Novel
2002 • Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
English
The Big Sleep
2023 • Sanage Publishing House Llp
English
Other editions
The Big Sleep A Film Adaptation Directed by Howard Hawks
1989 • Irvington Publishers
English
The Big Sleep (Special Edition)
2022 • Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
English
The Big Sleep
1988 • Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
English
The Big Sleep A Novel
2002 • Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
English
The Big Sleep
2023 • Sanage Publishing House Llp
English
The Big Sleep
2014 • Penguin Books
English
Big Sleep, The
2015 • Audible Studios on Brilliance Audio
English
The Big Sleep
2018 • Bibliotech Press
English
The Big Sleep and Other Novels
2000 • Penguin Books Limited
English
The Big Sleep
2020 • Independently Published
English
The Big Sleep
1973 • Ballantine Books
English
The Big Sleep
2008 • Penguin
English
The Big Sleep
2019 • Audible Studios on Brilliance Audio
English
The Big Sleep
2018 • Independently Published
English
The Big Sleep
2023 • ValdeBooks
English
The Big Sleep
1976 • Vintage Books, a division of Random House
English
The Big Sleep
2005 • Penguin UK
English
The Big Sleep
2017 • Independently Published
English
The Big Sleep
2022 • Repro Books Limited
English
The Big Sleep
1979 • Oxford University Press
English
The Big Sleep
2018 • IndoEuropeanPublishing.com
English
The Big Sleep
1975 • Random House Publishing Group
English
Big Sleep
2022 • Independently Published
English
The Big Sleep
2018 • Bibliotech Press
English
The Big Sleep Two Radio 4 Full-Cast Dramatisations
2001 • BBC Audiobooks
English
Le grand sommeil
1998 • Gallimard
French
Głęboki sen
2018 • Wydawnictwo C & T
Polish
Głęboki sen
2002 • Warszawskie Wydawn. Literackie MUZA SA
Polish
The Big Sleep
2005 • Phoenix Books
English
The Big Sleep
1994 • Reclam
English
The Big Sleep
2009 • Hamish Hamilton
English
Big Sleep
2021 • Independently Published
English
The Big Sleep
2004 • Penguin Books
English
The Big Sleep
2013 • HarperCollins Publishers Limited
English
The Big Sleep
2011 • Penguin
English
The Big Sleep
2008 • Penguin Books
English
The Big Sleep
1991 • Oxford University Press
English
The Big Sleep
1992 • Vintage Books, a division of Random House, Incorporated
English
El sueño eterno
1984 • Editorial Bruguera
Spanish
The Big Sleep. ( Stage. 4. Crime and Mystery. 1400 Grundwörter). (Lernmaterialien)
2000 • Cornelsen & Oxford University Press
English
Oxford Bookworms Library: Stage 4: The Big Sleep
2007 • OUP Oxford
English
The Big Sleep (Otto Penzler's 1st Edition Library)
1995 • Otto Penzler Books
English
El sueño eterno
2001 • Alianza Editorial
Spanish
Big Sleep
2020 • Independently Published
English
The Big Sleep
2020 • Independently Published
English
The Big Sleep
2021 • Independently Published
English
Big Sleep
2022 • Independently Published
English
The Big Sleep
2021 • Independently Published
English
Big Sleep
2021 • Independently Published
English
Big Sleep
2022 • Independently Published
English
Big Sleep
2021 • Independently Published
English
Big Sleep
2022 • Independently Published
English
Big Sleep
2021 • Independently Published
English
Big Sleep
2021 • Independently Published
English
Big Sleep
2021 • Independently Published
English
The Big Sleep
2020 • Independently Published
English
Big Sleep
2021 • Independently Published
English
The Big Sleep
2020 • Independently Published
English
The Big Sleep
2020 • Independently Published
English
Big Sleep
2021 • Independently Published
English
Big Sleep
2020 • Independently Published
English
The Big Sleep
2021 • Independently Published
English
Big Sleep
2021 • Independently Published
English
Big Sleep
2021 • Independently Published
English
Big Sleep
2022 • Independently Published
English
The Big Sleep
2021 • Independently Published
English
Big Sleep
2022 • Independently Published
English
長眠不醒
2002 • 群众出版社
Chinese
The Big Sleep
2020 • Independently Published
English
Big Sleep
2020 • Independently Published
English
Big Sleep
2021 • Independently Published
English
Big Sleep
2021 • Independently Published
English
Big Sleep
2021 • Independently Published
English
Big Sleep
2021 • Independently Published
English
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Rating Sources
Reviewers widely laud Raymond Chandler's The Big Sleep as a foundational work of hard-boiled detective fiction, celebrated for its distinctive style and atmospheric prose. Many praise the author's razor-sharp, cynical writing, noting its striking metaphors, vivid scenes, and tough, witty dialogue that flows effortlessly. Philip Marlowe, the iconic private investigator, is consistently highlighted as a compelling and complex character – a jaded, tight-lipped figure with an unbreakable code of honor, often described as a modern-day knight navigating a corrupt world. The novel's fast pace and action-packed narrative keep readers engaged, while its evocative descriptions of 1930s Los Angeles contribute significantly to its rich atmosphere. Ultimately, many readers find the book to be a highly enjoyable and influential read, appreciating its role in shaping the mystery genre.
Despite its strengths, the book draws significant criticism for its dated social attitudes, particularly its rampant sexism, misogyny, and homophobia. Reviewers frequently point out Marlowe's problematic views and actions towards women and gay characters, noting that such elements, while period-appropriate, can make for an uncomfortable reading experience. Specific instances of casual violence against women and derogatory language are cited as major stumbling blocks. Another common critique revolves around the plot's complexity, with many finding it convoluted, difficult to follow, and at times, incoherent, even to the point where the author himself reportedly forgot certain details. Some readers also found the 1930s slang occasionally opaque and the writing in early chapters somewhat stilted, while a few preferred the writing style of Chandler's contemporaries.
Overall, The Big Sleep emerges as a complicated yet historically significant read. It is highly recommended for fans of classic noir and hard-boiled detective fiction, as well as those interested in understanding the origins and enduring influence of the genre. Readers who prioritize exceptional prose, strong characterization, and a vivid atmosphere over a perfectly coherent plot will likely appreciate its unique qualities. However, potential readers should be prepared for the book's period-specific social views, which many find offensive, and consider their comfort level with such content before delving into this genre-defining work.
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