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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 tells the story of a drifter who becomes embroiled in a passionate and deadly affair with a married woman, leading to betrayal and murder.
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The Postman Always Rings Twice
Summary of key ideas
Twisted Love and Murder
In The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain, we are introduced to Frank Chambers, a drifter who stops at a roadside diner owned by Nick Papadakis. There, he meets Nick's beautiful, young wife, Cora, and is immediately drawn to her. Despite his initial reluctance to get involved with the couple, Frank is soon persuaded by his attraction to Cora and the prospect of running the diner with her after getting rid of Nick.
Their plan to murder Nick is hatched and executed with precision, but things take a turn for the worse when they are unable to escape suspicion. The couple's relationship also becomes strained as guilt and mistrust begin to plague them. The postman, a recurring figure in the story, serves as a reminder of their crime and the consequences they face.
The Unraveling of a Perfect Plan
As the story progresses, the couple's relationship becomes increasingly toxic. They turn on each other, with Cora blaming Frank for the murder and Frank resenting Cora for her inability to move on. Their once carefully constructed plan begins to unravel, and they find themselves embroiled in a web of lies and deceit.
When Cora is killed in a car accident, Frank is suspected of her murder. Despite being innocent of this crime, he is convicted and sentenced to death for Nick's murder. In the end, justice is served, but not in the way anyone expected. Frank's punishment for the murder he did commit is death, while his punishment for the murder he didn't commit is life in prison.
A Dark and Twisted Tale
The Postman Always Rings Twice is a dark and twisted tale of love, lust, and murder. Cain's narrative skillfully weaves together elements of crime, passion, and moral ambiguity. The characters are deeply flawed and morally bankrupt, making it difficult for readers to sympathize with them.
Throughout the novel, Cain explores the consequences of impulsive actions and the destructive power of desire. The postman, who always seems to arrive at the most inconvenient times, serves as a haunting reminder of the couple's crime and their inability to escape its consequences.
Reflection on Human Nature
On a deeper level, The Postman Always Rings Twice can be seen as a reflection on the darker aspects of human nature. The characters are driven by their basest instincts, leading them to commit heinous acts without remorse. Their inability to control their desires ultimately leads to their downfall.
In conclusion, The Postman Always Rings Twice is a compelling and thought-provoking read. It delves into the depths of human depravity, exploring the destructive potential of unchecked passion and the consequences of immoral actions. The novel's enduring popularity lies in its unflinching portrayal of the human psyche at its most primal and dangerous.
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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 delves into the dark and twisted world of adultery and murder. Set in 1930s California, the story follows a drifter named Frank who becomes entangled in a passionate and dangerous affair with a married woman named Cora. As their illicit relationship intensifies, they hatch a plan to get rid of Cora's husband and claim their freedom, leading to a web of deceit and betrayal.
The Postman Always Rings Twice Review
The Postman Always Rings Twice (1934) follows the twisted love affair between drifter Frank Chambers and the seductive Cora Papadakis, leading to murder and betrayal. Here's why this book is worth the read:
- Exploring themes of desire, morality, and the consequences of impulsive actions, it delves into the darker aspects of human nature.
- The intense, fast-paced plot keeps readers engaged and guessing until the shocking conclusion, ensuring a thrilling reading experience.
- Its complex characters and morally ambiguous storyline offer a thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche, making it anything but boring.
Who should read The Postman Always Rings Twice?
Readers who enjoy crime fiction and noir
Those interested in exploring the darker side of human nature
People who appreciate well-crafted, suspenseful storytelling
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The Postman Always Rings Twice FAQs
What is the main message of The Postman Always Rings Twice?
In The Postman Always Rings Twice, the main message revolves around desire, betrayal, and the consequences of impulsive actions.
How long does it take to read The Postman Always Rings Twice?
Reading time for The Postman Always Rings Twice varies. The Blinkist summary can be read in a fraction of the time it takes to read the full book.
Is The Postman Always Rings Twice a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Postman Always Rings Twice is worth reading for its intense plot and morally complex characters, making it a gripping classic.
Who is the author of The Postman Always Rings Twice?
James M. Cain is the author of The Postman Always Rings Twice.
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:
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- 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