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Oct 25, 2016
I find it hard to rate this book as the narrator lends 'interpretation' of it & the author's damaging portrayal of women, setting a pattern for decades, yet to be removed. I can see how American audiences were not ready for this genre & why many were offended. What was more interesting is the author James Cain, his life & affect on public opinion through books & movies during the 30's, 40's & even into the '50's America. (editoreric.com & The Atlantic) Reading the print form & forming one's own imagination of the main character would have worked better for me. I so dislike the title & book cover, typical of trashy novels, again a negative cast on women in general. However, that's common for the time period & too common for romance novels - IMO. I don't know if she is guilty of murder or not. The 'diagnosis' at the end of the audio was enlightening & more interesting than the story itself. I knew the side effects of thalidomide, banned in the US, but did not know the reason for taking it. Interesting & yes, I'd suggest a read.