New York Times bestselling author and “the reigning champ of nostalgia noir” (The New York Times Book Review) James Lee Burke returns with a powerful novel in the Holland Family series set in 1950s Texas, as the specter of the Korean War looms.On its surface, life in 1950s Houston is as you’d expect: stoic fathers, restless teens, drive-in movies, and souped-up Cadillacs. But underneath that … souped-up Cadillacs. But underneath that surface lies a world shifting under high school junior Aaron Holland Broussard’s feet. The underlying class war between the haves and have nots is growing steadily, along with the menace of conflict overseas in Korea, providing a harrowing backdrop to his growth to manhood. But when Aaron spots the beautiful Valerie Epstein at a drive-in, he steps in when he sees her fighting with her boyfriend, Grady Harrelson. Aaron’s newfound confidence helps catch Valerie’s eye, and the two begin dating. Grady is a live wire though, and presents a looming problem for Aaron.
You will recall the feelings and inspirational power of your first love, and empathize with Aaron’s extraordinary challenges to protect himself and the ones he loves in “this dark, atmospheric story” (Publishers Weekly). The Jealous Kind illustrates how first loves, friendship, violence, and power can alter what traditional America means for the people trying to find their way in a changing world.
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Mercy, but this is a terrific book. Burke is one of the few authors I enjoy so much that I own every one of his published titles. This one stands out from the field.
The prose sings, language and description are vivid, but this is true of all of Burke’s books. What makes this novel so special is the personal feel, the impression that James Lee Burke felt this was an important tale.
One of, if not his best, which is saying a whole lot.
JLB’s prose sings. It lights up the page. It gives depth to his characters–especially hard when a 17 year-old boy is the protagonist of a novel intended for adults. Aaron Holland learns a lot in this book about love and loyalty and class warfare and the darkest side of life. But … Aaron is no Dave Robicheaux, one of my favorite fictional characters. And while I think Aaron grows as a character in this novel, his arc is still arcing, imo. (Of course Dave is also still growing after nearly two dozen novels).The love story between Aaron and Val stretched my credulity, but the hormones of 17 year-olds explain a lot about Aaron. He doesn’t believe in violence, yet he nearly beats another character to death. He explains a lot of his “deep” observations and erratic behaviors to his dream of being a writer. And while I liked him, I liked his best friend Saber better. We should all be so lucky to have such a friend–though I’m not sure Aaron really appreciates Saber. One of the funniest scenes in the book belongs to this character, making him truly unforgettable.
If you are not familiar with James Lee Burke it does take awhile to settle into the rhythm of his story. The books of his I have read have been mostly set in the South and he writes lyrical books that involve you not only in the characters but their environment and the culture of their time. His books have given me many enjoyable hous.
James Lee Burke’s lyrical, evocative writing puts him in a class by himself. I guess you would call this a coming-of-age novel, in a way, with well-drawn, memorable characters. I really cared about Aaron Holland Broussard. Burke recreates 1950s Houston and Galveston. I already ordered the next Holland family book, which hasn’t even been published yet. I love Burke’s books that much, and this is one of his best. Maybe the best (I haven’t read them all, yet). I’d love to meet Burke some day.
One of the best books I have read n a long time. You know that feeling you get when you are reading a book that is so good you never want it to end? James Lee Burke’s characters are just so fascinating and the plot is fantastic. One of my most favorite writers!
This walk through the author’s memory lane didn’t interest me on any level. I love his New Orleans retired cop books, but this was mostly dialogue, and not up to his usual work.
Typical James Lee Burke. If you like his writing – you’ll like this one.
Burke is a wonderful story teller and unequalled in using words to create visual imagery.
One of my favorite authors…but just can’t get into this book. Miss Robichaux!
James Lee Burke is one of the very best writers of our time.
I love this author
James Lee Burke has become a classic American writer with his dark and gritty novels of the American South and West. The Robicheaux and Holland characters, while filled with eccentricities and an engraved in stone sense of honor, reflect the American spirit which mostly exists in fiction, but is brought close to truth by Burke. At some point Burke will be read widely in university literature and sociology classes.
I gave up at about 20%. The writing is good, but the characters changed their minds so often that I got tired of the back and forth.
I thougt it was just ok
New cast of characters adds a new feel to James Lee Burke book
Disappointing for an author I have always enjoyed. Had great expectation but plot and dialog did not seem credible.
Boring and too long. Should have been a short story. The historical parts about the 50’s in Houston was interesting but it seemed like the author ran out of material and it dragged on and on.
James Lee Burke is one of my favorite authors, but this is not one of his best books. It is entertaining, but too formulaic. Sabre, the wing man is a teen knockoff of Clete Purcell. It has Burke’s rare ability to create a sense of place. But, I feel like I’ve read it before.
As with all of James Lee Burke’s books, I thoroughly enjoyed reading “The Jealous Kind.” Burke’s prose never ceases to amaze me, sometimes comical, sometimes insightful, always interesting. His characters in this book come to life, and you feel you know them. Good book.
Great read as always.