In Mildred Pierce, noir master James M. Cain creates a novel of acute social observation and devasting emotional violence, with a heroine whose ambitions and sufferings are never less than recognizable. Mildred Pierce had gorgeous legs, a way with a skillet, and a bone-deep core of toughness. She used those attributes to survive a divorce and poverty and to claw her way out of the lower middle … the lower middle class. But Mildred also had two weaknesses: a yen for shiftless men, and an unreasoning devotion to a monstrous daughter.
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If you’ve seen the classic film or enjoyed the mini series a few years ago, then I highly recommend James M. Cain’s incredible novel, Mildred Pierce.
The basic premise for Mildred Pierce is very simple. Following a split from her husband, Mildred rises up to become an independent and profitable woman. Really though, Cain’s novel is so much more …
This novel was written from a bygone era. To read novels from the 30’s or 40’s is an education of the times. Well worth any readers time.
Was a good book!
We all know the movie now I know the book too.
More literary fiction than noir crime like Cain’s previous novels, I went into this with the wrong expectations. I blame myself for not learning more about it first. I just pulled it from the mystery shelf with the rest of Cain’s books. I hadn’t seen the movie or the HBO mini-series, so I went in blind.
Overall, it’s a well-written arc in the …
Good story but the movie was much better than the book
I hope that one day I can reach this level of craftsmanship
Well defined classic. A must read for the noir fan.
Nothing like movie with Joan Crawford….better!
I knew the story from the classic movie, but I wasn’t prepared for the speed at which the reading goes. Compulsive, I think. My sympathies switched between characters as I read. Not at all prepared for the surprising ending.
If you’re interested in reading the novel upon which the Joan Crawford movie is based, it’s a good read. Not steamy in the sexy sense because it was written before that was acceptable but all of Cain’s books contain unforgettable characters who informed the noir genre so their morals are ambiguous at best.
Not a likeable character, but very entertaining, especially if you have a curmudgeon in your own life.
I read about 3-4 books a week – fiction, non-fiction, historical fiction, and mystery – and pride myself on only spending time on works with well-developed characters and an absorbing plot. “Mildred Pierce” is one of the best books I’ve read so far this year!
Iinteresting look at life before the war and lack of opportunities for women. Good character development and look at how dysfunctional families can be. This is the first Cain book I have read, though I am familiar with the films that resulted from them. There are interesting differences in this story line and the film, as well as an ending that …
A good story. Well written and still relevant even though written many ars ago.
Such a wonderful story!!! Mildred is an exceptionally strong and willful woman who won’t let anything get in the way of providing a good life for her children. Unfortunately, even with all she goes through and all the sacrifices she makes for them, her daughter has an absolutely awful way of showing her love and gratitude! I highly recommend this …
Love the movie but loved the book more.