Cuban crime
5 steloj
I love when charity shop take-a-chance books turn out to be brilliant and that was certainly the case for me with Havana Black. This Cuban crime novel concentrates more on character relationships and portraying a changing Havana than on the mystery itself and I thought it was much the stronger for this. That's not to say the murder narrative is irrelevant - it drives the whole novel and is satisfying in itself, but I was fascinated by the actions and attitudes of the characters who found themselves caught up in Conde's investigation. Well, the male characters anyway. Women only exist here to provide food or sex interest and Padura's 'ripe fruit' metaphor is wearyingly overrused by the end of the book!
Havana Black is the second of a quartet of Mario Conde crime novels. Needless to say (if you follow my book reviews) I've started the series in the middle …
I love when charity shop take-a-chance books turn out to be brilliant and that was certainly the case for me with Havana Black. This Cuban crime novel concentrates more on character relationships and portraying a changing Havana than on the mystery itself and I thought it was much the stronger for this. That's not to say the murder narrative is irrelevant - it drives the whole novel and is satisfying in itself, but I was fascinated by the actions and attitudes of the characters who found themselves caught up in Conde's investigation. Well, the male characters anyway. Women only exist here to provide food or sex interest and Padura's 'ripe fruit' metaphor is wearyingly overrused by the end of the book!
Havana Black is the second of a quartet of Mario Conde crime novels. Needless to say (if you follow my book reviews) I've started the series in the middle with no idea what happened before, but that didn't affect my enjoyment of this book. I think I spotted a couple of nods to a previous storyline. Ignorance of that didn't impinge on this novel though so I can happily recommend it as a standalone book. It's probably better suited to literary fiction fans than thriller aficionados and if you like fast-paced action, give it a miss. If thoughtful novels with a strong sense of place and history appeal to you though, Havana Black and others in the series could be worth a read.