George V(incent) Higgins Criticism
George V. Higgins, an American novelist and short story writer, is renowned for his crime novels that offer a realistic and unvarnished portrayal of the criminal underworld. Drawing from his extensive experience as a criminal lawyer and positions as an assistant U.S. District Attorney and Assistant Attorney General, Higgins crafts narratives steeped in suspense and punctuated by humor. His distinctive style emphasizes dialogue to drive action and reveal character, setting his work apart in the crime genre. While his earlier novels focus on crime, recent works have ventured into the intricacies of Washington politics. Higgins's novels such as The Judgment of Deke Hunter and Dreamland have attracted both praise and critique. Joseph McLellan highlights Higgins's detailed depiction of the interplay between detectives and criminals in The Judgment of Deke Hunter, whereas Steve Ownbey critiques its disjointed narrative and depiction of female characters. As for Dreamland, Ivan Gold appreciates its intelligent content and intricate plotting, despite its complexity, while Michael Mason notes its political themes and elusive style. Higgins's work remains significant for its authentic voice and exploration of societal and political themes.
Contents
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Higgins, George V(incent) (Vol. 10)
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Adam-and-Eve-12
(summary)
In the following essay, Steve Ownbey critiques George V. Higgins's novel The Judgment of Deke Hunter for its disjointed narrative, inadequate portrayal of female characters, sporadically effective humor, and dialogue that fluctuates between excellence and excessive vulgarity, ultimately suggesting selective chapter reading for enjoyment.
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Ivan Gold
(summary)
In the following essay, Ivan Gold critiques George V. Higgins's novel "Dreamland," noting its departure from his earlier works through intricate plotting and richly detailed narration, while highlighting its appeal through intelligent content and insightful character observations despite the occasionally convoluted narrative.
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The Dirt on Daddy
(summary)
In the following essay, Michael Mason critiques George V. Higgins's novel Dreamland as a fusion of thriller and political novel, highlighting its themes of conspiracy and fragmented revelations, while expressing concern over its overly elusive narrative style and peculiar use of dialogue.
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Joseph McLellan
(summary)
In the following essay, Joseph McLellan contends that in The Judgement of Deke Hunter, George V. Higgins returns to his crime narrative roots, showcasing his adeptness at detail and dialogue, while exploring the intertwined lives of detectives and criminals in the Boston area.
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Adam-and-Eve-12
(summary)
- Higgins, George V(incent) (Vol. 4)
- Higgins, George V(incent) (Vol. 7)
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Higgins, George V(incent) (Vol. 18)
- James Fallows
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Life & Letters: 'Kennedy for the Defense'
(summary)
In the following essay, Phoebe-Lou Adams examines the character of Kennedy in "Kennedy for the Defense," highlighting Higgins's skill in crafting engaging, albeit unscrupulous, characters and portraying the intricacies of legal maneuvering through a series of interconnected episodes rather than a traditional plot.
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The Friends of Jerry Kennedy
(summary)
In the following essay, John Jay Osborn, Jr. analyzes George V. Higgins' novel Kennedy for the Defense, suggesting that its lack of tension is compensated by nuanced character development, offering a detailed portrayal of a criminal lawyer's mundane reality, akin to an insurance claims adjuster, rather than a glorified hero.
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'Kennedy for the Defense'
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In the following essay, Christopher Lehmann-Haupt argues that while George V. Higgins's "Kennedy for the Defense" does not fully resolve narrative challenges introduced by its protagonist, it successfully expands the thematic scope of his work by exploring interconnected worlds beyond the singular criminal milieu of his earlier novels.
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Clients in Trouble
(summary)
In the following essay, Evan Hunter explores George V. Higgins's distinctive style, noting his skillful use of dialogue and realistic characters, while acknowledging some narrative shortcomings, ultimately likening Higgins to John le Carré for his ability to invent a convincing reality within a unique literary genre.
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Saint Plus Crooks
(summary)
In the following essay, Terry Curtis Fox argues that George V. Higgins focuses more on the lawyerly aspects and the formation of personal morality in his novels, particularly in "Kennedy for the Defense," rather than solely on the criminal elements, emphasizing pragmatic principles over character development.
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Brief Review: 'Kennedy for the Defense'
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In the following essay, Jack Beatty critiques George V. Higgins's Kennedy for the Defense for its over-reliance on monologues that lack differentiation and spontaneity, and he argues that the plot suffers from a lack of engaging narrative and descriptive elements.
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'Kennedy for the Defense'
(summary)
In the following essay, Tom McNevin commends the dialog in George V. Higgins's Kennedy for the Defense, noting its ability to illuminate real-world criminal law despite occasional elements of exaggerated profanity and humor that might undermine its realism.