Nightfall

David Goodis defies convention in the pages of Nightfall, a noirish tale of an innocent man pursued by both criminals and the police. Jim Vanning, Navy veteran and commercial artist, knows it's only a matter of time until he's captured by one or the other and must live every moment with the claustrophobic fear only the relentlessly hunted can understand. The unconventional aspect of this book derives from the persona of Fraser, the New York detective charged with bringing Vanning in. Quite remarkably, Fraser has developed sympathy for his quarry and takes it upon himself to go the extra mile and then some to help Vanning out. The storyline to Nightfall takes several unexpected twists and turns along the way. Adding to Nightfall's considerable appeal is the no nonsense rapid fire dialogue Goodis has written for the various characters. All in all, this intriguing novel of crime and its unforseen consequences is a very worthwhile read. Had it not been for a number of overly contrived plot elements, it would deserve a 5 star rating.

This is a story of a man's struggle to regain his life after circumstances conspired against him. Jim Vanning is facing a grim future. He is being pursued by gangsters and police in relation to a robbery and a murder. We come in on the story as Vanning feels the net closing in tightly around him, but we are also given the feeling that he doesn't have the answer to the question that everyone will want to know. Where is the money?The story is stark and grim as Vanning's predicament appears hopeless. His obvious feelings of helplessness are portrayed vividly as he searches around for a way to clear his name. Although it's written in a spare style, Goodis doesn't waste a word as he concentrates on painting Vanning into a corner, he still manages to find time to introduce us to his all-important peripheral characters, Fraser the cop, John the gangster and Martha the love interest. All are integral to the outcome of the mystery and are given just enough attention to make them interesting.

Wonderful story of a man on the run from the law, and the sympathetic policeman who takes an interest in his case. A beautiful book, spare and haunting. Not a wasted word. Goodis sometimes reaches for poetry in his tales, but here he achieves it with a delicate poise. Very atypical of the bulk of Goodis's output, and probably not the place to start, but this is one of the great post-WW2 thrillers, and as close as anyone's ever come to evoking film noir on the page.