James Lee Burke

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Golophin

James Lee Burke

Lead

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Posts: 9644

(11/17/05 04:29)

Bookhunter

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One of my favourite American authors is James Lee Burke
especially his Dave Robicheaux novels set in New Iberia and Louisiana.

There such sad books in a way as Robicheaux is pre-occupied with the passing of the america he remembers from his youth. But revelations in various novels show that the past wasnt quite as rosy as he remembers. There is also supernatural undertones to a few of the novels which i enjoyed especially in Burning Angel. Although as a recovering alcoholic its never explicitely stated whether Dave has a sixth sense or has been damaged by his addiction.

Does anyone else enjoy this series of books?

saundrakane

James Lee Burke

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Posts: 50401

(11/17/05 05:08)

The Boss Lady of the BS Board

if they are not speculative..would they be considered mystery or suspense?

Saundra Kane
The Mystery Readers' Study
Best Sellers and Literature

Golophin

James Lee Burke

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Posts: 9644

(11/18/05 03:50)

Bookhunter

The first books in the series were investigative/mystery storys. More recent stories tend to use the crimes that happen as a place from which to investigate how the past effects the present and future and they are actually all interconnected you cant "leave the past behind".

Rockthief

James Lee Burke

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Posts: 846

(11/30/05 08:43)

Burke is one of my favorite authors. I have read his body of work and just might do it again someday. I wonder what his next book will be like considering that New Orleans is so drastically changed now. Super author and skilled, compelling writing.

Golophin

James Lee Burke

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Posts: 9644

(12/03/05 06:40)

Bookhunter

I have wondered about that. A quick scan on the internet shows that New Iberia was affected by Hurricane Katrina as well.

Rockthief

James Lee Burke

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Posts: 846

(12/04/05 11:45)

Robicheaux is someone I can identify with one moment and the next moment I wonder what is the man thinking? WOnderful, compelling literature.

Golophin

James Lee Burke

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Posts: 9644

(12/06/05 08:11)

Bookhunter

With his memorys of world war 2 and service in vietnam, the character must be a good age now. i think thats been reflected in some of the more recent books.

maldajune

Re: James Lee Burke

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Posts: 53

(01/10/06 12:15)

Avid Reader

Isn't he in his 50's or so?

An Australian friend first told me about Burke's Robicheaux novels, and I picked up one of the earlier ones. Couldn't put the dang thing down.

His books read more poetically than most "mysteries" I have enjoyed.

Sometimes I, too, find myself saying, "Dave! What?! Why did you do that?!" His actions are often strictly related to his own world view, and I find that view a bit odd at times, which is one of the reasons I really like Burke's writing.

I also heard Burke interviewed once a while back, and he really said some interesting things about the writing process and what it means to be a writer. I enjoyed his perspective.

I'm curious as to whether you like his Billy Bob Holland books as well.

Golophin

James Lee Burke

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Posts: 9644

(01/16/06 06:11)

Bookhunter

The writing in those books is good but the setting and characters just never "clicked" for me the way the Dave Robicheaux books did.

Greta Gabbo

Re: James Lee Burke

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Posts: 5

(04/14/08 11:14)

I love James Lee Burke, especially the Robicheaux series. I just finished The Tin Roof Blowdown, and I'm looking forward to the new Robicheaux coming out this summer.

AirPrang

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Posts: 1635

(08/27/08 08:33)

A new one on the way? Hurrah! The Tin Roof Blowdown was excellent, topical but still steeped in the locale's history.

I found my way to Robicheaux a long time ago and while some of his more recent books have seemed a little repetitive in some respects, I'll keep going back for more for most of the reasons listed above. Dave is still an evolving character. Just like a real person he can change his mind and forget to learn from his own history and keep tilting at those windmills. While we might think we'll know what he'll do in a given situation, he's still capable of surprise.

Another thing I love about James Lee Burke's writing is the sense of place he evokes. His writing is so descriptive without being overly florid, that I can almost smell the bayous, feel the humidity and hear the mosquitos when I sit down to read. The Bob Holland series doesn't quite do it for me in the same way, but I've still read a few of them.

Savannah Smyles

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Posts: 8

(01/20/09 07:09)

I love Burke's writing. It is like poetry to me. His words just have a flow and I can see the scene in my mind. I love the character of Dave, he is flawed but a man with a strong moral code.

edited for very poor typing.

AirPrang

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Posts: 1886

(01/20/09 08:05)

Is this the right place to mention I finally had a po' boy sandwich? And would you believe it was in a restaurant in Wellington, NZ? True. :lol

All these years wondering exactly what one was and what it would taste like.

Savannah Smyles

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Posts: 11

(01/20/09 10:30)

Was it as wonderful as you thought?

AirPrang

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Posts: 1889

(01/21/09 06:12)

Heh. I wasn't expecting it to be wonderful as I'm not a huge fan of clams and spicy stuff makes my ears bleed even though I love it. Fortunately my po' boy turned out to be a very pleasant sandwich with fresh clams, not too spicy sauce, lettuce and only a tiny amount of proper egg mayo. Pleasant, even though it was a white bread, which I don't like. Had a bit of a yack to the waiter about it all though, as the menu offered a few varieties and I wanted to go for the most authentic cajun experience.