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The Postman Always Rings Twice summary
Brief summary
The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain is a gripping noir novel that follows the passionate and deadly affair between drifter Frank Chambers and femme fatale Cora Papadakis. Their desire for each other leads to a series of tragic events.
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The Postman Always Rings Twice
Summary of key ideas
The Beginning of a Deadly Affair
In The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain, we are introduced to Frank Chambers, a drifter who stops at a roadside diner for a meal. There, he meets the owner, Nick Papadakis, and his beautiful wife, Cora. Frank is immediately drawn to Cora, and she to him. Despite Nick offering Frank a job at the diner, Frank and Cora begin a passionate affair, and soon they hatch a plan to kill Nick and take over the diner.
Their first attempt to kill Nick fails, and they are forced to abandon their plan. However, their passion and greed drive them to try again. This time, they succeed in staging Nick's death as an accident, but their plan begins to unravel when the district attorney suspects foul play and launches an investigation.
The Unraveling of a Perfect Crime
As the investigation progresses, Frank and Cora's relationship begins to deteriorate. They turn on each other, each blaming the other for the murder. Frank is arrested and charged with the crime, and Cora, who was supposed to provide his alibi, fails to show up in court, leaving Frank to face the death penalty alone.
Frank is convicted and sentenced to death, but his lawyer manages to get the sentence reduced to life imprisonment. In prison, Frank learns that Cora has been killed in a car accident, and he is consumed with guilt and regret over their failed plan and the loss of their love.
Twists and Turns in the Plot
After serving several years in prison, Frank is released on parole. He tries to start a new life but finds it difficult to escape his past. He meets and falls in love with a woman named Madge, but their relationship is strained by Frank's inability to let go of his memories of Cora.
Just when it seems that Frank might have a chance at a fresh start, a shocking twist occurs. It is revealed that Cora's death was not an accident but a murder, and Frank is implicated in the crime. The novel ends with Frank being taken back to prison, his future uncertain.
The Postman Always Rings Twice: A Tale of Fatal Attraction
In conclusion, The Postman Always Rings Twice is a gripping tale of fatal attraction, murder, and betrayal. It explores the dark side of human nature and the destructive power of passion and greed. The characters' relentless pursuit of their desires leads them down a path of crime and punishment, ultimately resulting in their downfall.
Throughout the novel, Cain masterfully builds tension and suspense, keeping the reader on edge as the characters' lives spiral out of control. The title, The Postman Always Rings Twice, serves as a metaphor for the characters' inability to escape the consequences of their actions, no matter how hard they try to avoid them. In the end, the postman, representing fate or justice, always catches up with them.
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What is The Postman Always Rings Twice about?
The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain is a gripping crime novel that follows the story of a drifter who gets entangled in a passionate and deadly affair with a married woman. Filled with suspense and moral ambiguity, the book explores themes of guilt, betrayal, and the consequences of our actions.
The Postman Always Rings Twice Review
The Postman Always Rings Twice (1934) by James M. Cain is a gripping noir novel that delves into passion, crime, and betrayal in a small town. Here's why you should dive into this classic:
- With its intense and compelling storyline, the book keeps readers on the edge of their seats, exploring the darker side of human nature.
- The complex characters and their moral dilemmas make for a thought-provoking read, blurring the lines between right and wrong.
- Full of suspenseful twists and turns, the book guarantees that boredom is never an option, offering a thrilling and unpredictable narrative.
Who should read The Postman Always Rings Twice?
- Readers who enjoy gritty, morally ambiguous narratives
- Those interested in exploring the darker side of human nature
- Fans of classic noir fiction and hardboiled crime novels
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The Postman Always Rings Twice FAQs
What is the main message of The Postman Always Rings Twice?
The main message of The Postman Always Rings Twice revolves around the consequences of desire and betrayal.
How long does it take to read The Postman Always Rings Twice?
Reading The Postman Always Rings Twice takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in minutes.
Is The Postman Always Rings Twice a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Postman Always Rings Twice is a gripping noir classic worth reading for its dark portrayal of human desires.
Who is the author of The Postman Always Rings Twice?
The author of The Postman Always Rings Twice is James M. Cain.
What to read after The Postman Always Rings Twice?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Postman Always Rings Twice, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
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- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher