The Great American Novel is said to capture the spirit of the American experience during a particular time. So, it’s no surprise (although thoroughly pleasing!) that several noir and noir-adjacent titles made The Atlantic’s list.
Here are five titles from the list I pulled from my own rickety bookshelves. I adore these novels—and I hope you will, too!
(Paid links below.)
My first noir crush. “If you’re going to talk about greats, there is no one greater than Raymond Chandler.” — Lou Reed
A complex and fascinating story of Clare Kendry, who is married to a racist white man unaware of her African American heritage.
Jackson’s ability to create an atmosphere of dread and gloom with the most beautiful prose is unparalleled.
A noir classic and inspiration for the Nicholas Ray film starring Humphrey Bogart and Gloria Grahame.
A lyrical thriller with unforgettable characters. I reread this one every couple of years. Francis forever!
