Lawrence Block has a four-book series with the character Chip Harrison. Chip is young rambling man, a scamp, who isn't a very good person but tries to tell himself he is by being all introspective. He's really not a good guy.
It's an okay read as LB really brings the characters to life. I'm not sure if I like the character but he's interesting and keeps me reading.
When young, broke, and single Chip Harrison finds a bus ticket to Bordentown, South Carolina, he knows it was sent by the hand of fate. It’s his way out of wintry New York City, and a way into the warm welcome of Bordentown’s sheriff! But before long, Chip charms his way into the sheriff’s good graces and into the arms of Lucille, the preacher’s daughter. Even Chip should see he is headed for trouble with a capital T.
This is the second book of the series. It was written in 1971 and seems pretty explicit even for the '70s. It's a bit shocking to read today too, as Block uses all the words he'd be "cancelled" for using today; like slurs for various minorities and mentally-challenged people. All the big ones. Surprised he hasn't taken some flak for it.
While I think Block was trying to be humorous, the book came off as dark and gloomy. It made me sad for Chip Harrison and bit sad for Block. I think it's interesting to remember where a particular writer was in their life when they wrote something. This was written 50 years ago. Block was no doubt a different person than he portrays himself today. I've always assumed he went through a dark period in his life and am just guessing that this was written during that time.
Maybe I'm reading too much into it. But maybe not.
Gave it a 6 of 10. It didn't do well with Goodreaders either, a 3.4 of 5.
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