Many authors, especially the most prolific, have used pseudonyms. The late Donald E. Westlake took the practice to a bizarre level, having used 17. Among a recent donation to the floating book shop were three of his works under his real name. I chose to read
Get Real, which is labeled a Dortmunder novel. I assumed the character would be a Columbo-styled detective tracking a murderer. How refreshing to find he is a mid-level thief. It is a mystery far removed from the usual serial killer fare. There is almost a complete lack of violence. Its accent is on dry humor and the ins and outs of a caper. The plot is terrific: NYC reality show creators are running out of ideas; a producer learns of one of the protagonist’s partners through his mom, a cabbie; and decides to film the five-man crew planning and executing a heist.
Get Real, published in 2009, is the 14th and last Dortmunder novel. There is also a short story collection of his exploits. My only quibble with it is that it could have used minor tweaking, although I realize the author was keeping the prose and dialogue true to the unpretentious cast of characters. Adjectives are repeated within the same paragraph constantly. Then again, who I am to criticize a writer who has sold millions while I’ve yet to sell a thousand? And the 289 page narrative moves swiftly despite the flaw. 50 users at Amazon have rated the novel, forging to a consensus of 4.5 of five. I say 3.75. Westlake, who was born in Brooklyn and raised in Albany, also wrote three works of non-fiction, as well as six screenplays, the most notable of which is
The Grifters (1990), for which he received an Oscar nod. Several of his works have been adapted to the screen, some under a different title, some changing the lead’s name. The oddest casting was Robert Redford as Dortmunder in
The Hot Rock (1972). I realize millions are invested in a film and a big box office star will help recoup it, but this was an instance when the character’s name should have been changed. Redford, a fine actor and great screen presence, isn’t anything like how I imagined Dortmunder.
RIP Dolph Schayes, 87, NBA Hall of Famer. In his 14-year career he averaged better than 18 points and twelve rebounds per game, and he was a perennial all-star.
No luck selling books on the street, but I picked up some cash accompanying a friend to the doctor, so the day wasn't a total loss.
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
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