The Far Side Of The Dollar Ross Macdonald
Introduction
The Far Side of the Dollar is a novel by Ross Macdonald, the second in the Lew Archer series. The book was first published in 1965 and is set in Southern California. The novel is a classic example of hardboiled detective fiction and has been highly praised for its characterization, plot, and themes.
Plot Summary
The novel begins when Lew Archer is hired by a wealthy woman named Bernice Haldorn to find her son, Galton, who has disappeared. Galton had been involved in a car accident that killed a man, and he was presumed dead. However, Bernice believes that he is still alive and wants Archer to find him.
Archer's investigation leads him to a religious cult called the Church of the Silent Brotherhood, which is led by a charismatic man named Simon Graff. Graff is a former convict and an ex-patient of a mental institution. He is using the church to cover up his criminal activities, including kidnapping and extortion.
As Archer delves deeper into the case, he discovers a web of deceit and corruption that involves not only Graff and his followers but also Bernice and her husband, who are hiding their own secrets. Archer must navigate this complex landscape of lies and half-truths to uncover the truth about Galton's disappearance and the murder that started it all.
Themes
The Far Side of the Dollar explores several themes, including the corrupting influence of wealth, the dangers of religious fanaticism, and the impact of past traumas on the present. The novel also deals with issues of identity and self-discovery, as characters struggle to come to terms with who they are and where they come from.
One of the central themes of the book is the idea that money can corrupt even the most well-intentioned people. Bernice and her husband, for example, are wealthy and powerful, but they are also deeply flawed and willing to go to great lengths to protect their reputation and their secrets. Graff, meanwhile, preys on vulnerable people who are looking for meaning in their lives, using his charisma and his supposed spiritual insight to manipulate them.
The novel also explores the dangers of religious fanaticism, particularly when it is used to justify criminal behavior. Graff's church is a thinly disguised cover for his criminal activities, and he uses his followers' devotion to him to keep them in line. The book suggests that blind faith can be a dangerous thing, especially when it is exploited by those with ulterior motives.
Characterization
Ross Macdonald is known for his complex and nuanced characters, and The Far Side of the Dollar is no exception. The novel's protagonist, Lew Archer, is a classic hardboiled detective, tough and cynical on the outside but with a deep sense of compassion and a commitment to justice. Archer is also haunted by his own past, and the novel explores his personal demons as well as his professional ones.
The other characters in the book are equally well-drawn, from Bernice and her husband to Graff and his followers. Macdonald excels at creating characters who are both sympathetic and flawed, and he uses their interactions to explore the novel's themes and ideas.
Conclusion
The Far Side of the Dollar is a classic example of hardboiled detective fiction, with a complex plot, well-drawn characters, and themes that are still relevant today. The book is a must-read for fans of the genre and for anyone who appreciates well-crafted storytelling and nuanced characterization.