The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler

Name: The Long Goodbye
Author: Raymond Chandler

The narrative follows a private investigator, who becomes embroiled in the complex and tragic life of Terry Lennox, a man with a troubled past and a scarred face. The story begins with the protagonist encountering Lennox, who is drunk and in a Rolls-Royce, accompanied by a beautiful woman. After helping Lennox, the investigator learns that he is a former soldier who has struggled with alcoholism and a tumultuous marriage to Sylvia, a wealthy woman from a prominent family. As the plot unfolds, Lennox's life spirals further out of control, culminating in the murder of Sylvia. The investigator is drawn into the investigation, facing pressure from law enforcement and the media, particularly as the case involves the influential Potter family. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the moral complexities of friendship, as the investigator grapples with his feelings for Lennox and the implications of his actions. Lennox is eventually found dead in Mexico, having left a confession behind. The investigator reflects on the nature of truth and justice, questioning the motivations of those involved in the case, including the police and the media. The story concludes with the investigator contemplating the impact of Lennox's life and death on his own understanding of morality and the human condition, leaving readers with a sense of ambiguity about the nature of guilt and innocence.

By Raymond Chandler · First published 1953 · Genre: Mystery, Noir, Crime · 14 chapters · 40,055 words

First lines

The first time I laid eyes on Terry Lennox he was drunk in a Rolls-Royce Silver Wraith outside the terrace of The Dancers. The parking lot attendant had brought the car out and he was still holding the door open because Terry Lennox's left foot was still dangling outside, as if he had forgotten he had one. He had a young-looking face but his hair was bone white. You could tell by his eyes that he was plastered to the hairline, but otherwise he looked like any other nice young guy in a dinner jacket who had been spending too much money in a joint that exists for that purpose and for no other.

What this Textopian page supports

The Long Goodbye is listed on Textopian as a novel by Raymond Chandler, dated 1953 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Raymond Chandler
Date: 1953 CE
Language: English
Genres: Mystery, Noir, Crime, Thriller, Literary Fiction
Length: 40,055 words
Structure: 14 chapters, 897 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Mystery — The plot revolves around a complex investigation involving crime and deception.
Noir — The writing style and themes reflect a dark, cynical view of society, typical of noir fiction.
Crime — The narrative focuses on criminal activities and their consequences.
Thriller — The tension and suspense throughout the story create a thrilling reading experience.