42 pages • 1 hour read
Raymond ChandlerThe Long Goodbye
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1953A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler follows private detective Philip Marlowe as he investigates a series of complex situations following his acquaintance with Terry Lennox, whom he helps flee to Mexico after Lennox's wife is murdered. When Lennox allegedly commits suicide in Mexico, Marlowe becomes entangled in further investigations involving an alcoholic writer and familial deceit, unraveling a web of crime and betrayal. Topics: suicide, murder, alcoholism, war trauma.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Reviews of Raymond Chandler's The Long Goodbye highlight its compelling narrative and complex characterization, particularly of its protagonist, Philip Marlowe. Critics praise Chandler's rich, atmospheric prose and adept exploration of themes such as loyalty and morality. However, some mention that the plot can seem convoluted and overly drawn out. Overall, it remains a liked classic in the noir genre.
Who Should Read The Long Goodbye?
A reader who would enjoy The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler likely appreciates gritty, noir detective stories with complex characters and intricate plots. Fans of Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon and James M. Cain's The Postman Always Rings Twice will find a similar appeal in Chandler's storytelling.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Mystery / Crime Fiction
American Literature
Classic Fiction
Values/Ideas: Good & Evil
Identity: Mental Health
Values/Ideas: Power & Greed