Dave Edmunds's Reviews> The Postman Always Rings Twice

"We thought we were on top of a mountain that night. That wasn't it. It's on top of us, and that's where it's been ever since that night."

3.5 ⭐'s

Initial Thoughts

One of my priorities for 2024 is to read some classic crime and I thought why not start with James M. Cain's 'The Postman Always Rings Twice.' It's a story that's been immortalised on the big screen more than once, most notably in the 1981 version starringJack NicholsonandJessica Lange.Although I consider myself a movie buff I've not seen any of them, I'm ashamed to admit. But if I end up enjoying this one it's something I intend to put right.

But enough about the movies...this site is about books god damn it! And this one was written all the way back in 1934. Cain's first novel no less in a golden age for crime fiction. It caused a little bit of a sensation when it did due to it's graphic content, featuring rough sex and tasty violence. How that holds up by today's depraved standards remains to be seen. Why not join me in finding out?

The Story

The story starts in 1930's LA and followsFrank Chambers,a drifter who makes a living as a petty con artist and gambler. When he wanders into a diner and sets his eyes on the smokingCorahe decides to stick around and gets a job working for her dimwitted husband,Nick,who owns said diner.

It's a mistake Nick is going to soon regret as neither Frank or Cora have a shred of moral fibre between them and are soon plotting to kill him, in between their numerous rounds of violent love making. This sets off an ugly chain of events that you just know is not going to end well for anyone. And that's the nuts and bolts of this pretty compelling tale that explores the darker aspects of human nature.

The Writing

This was first published in 1934 and was actually banned in Boston for its graphic content. It's pretty tame by today's standards, but that just goes to show how far we've moved along as a society in terms of our depraved appetite for sex and violence.

"But love, when you get fear in it, it's not live any more. It's hate."

The style is punchy with a stripped down narrative that gets straight to the point and hits hard. Cain is not going to blow you away with evocative descriptions or poetic language. But it suits this style of story and sets the tone. This is crime noir after all and there's very little light to be found amongst all the filth and corruption.

It's more a novella than a full novel, at only one hundred and sixteen pages. As a result it's a quick read that you can blast through in one or two sittings. Still, after a strong start, I did think the story dipped a bit at the midpoint and did loose my interest slightly.

The Characters

Although The Postman Always Rings Twice is regarded as a classic crime novel, it's not what you'd expect. It doesn't follow your standard detective and instead goes for a reprehensible and immoral deadbeat in Frank. And I got to admit, I enjoyed this aspect as it really did add a different dimension to this story. Like taking a walk on the wild side.



And despite being a luscious beauty, Cora was no better. An equally repulsive character with no redeeming features. Her relationship with Frank was anything but the norm and the type of romance I can get behind. Now if only I can get her number!

"She looked like the great grandmother of every whore in the world. The devil got his money's worth that night."

Final Thoughts

I've read some absolutely great books lately and although I enjoyed the Postman Always Rings Twice, it did pale in comparison. Despite this, I can understand why this is a classic and at the time it was written it's something that would have stood out with it's hard hitting content and dark outlook.

Because it's a quick read, it's a perfect for those who are short on time. That's me at the minute so I really appreciated it didn't take me all day to get through. My main complaint though is that there was no postman in the entire story. Talk about false advertising. I feel really let down.

Thanks for reading and...cheers!


James M. Cain