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Erik Dorn   By: (1894-1964)

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Erik Dorn takes readers on a mesmerizing journey through the gritty streets of Chicago in the 1920s. Authored by Ben Hecht, this captivating novel delves into the life of the eponymous protagonist, Erik Dorn, who serves as a window into the dark underbelly of the city.

Set against the backdrop of Prohibition and the rise of organized crime, Hecht crafts a narrative that is both atmospheric and suspenseful. The writing is dripping with vivid descriptions, allowing readers to feel the pulse of the city and immerse themselves in its seedy atmosphere. Hecht's ability to conjure up the sights, sounds, and smells of Chicago during this tumultuous era is truly commendable.

Erik Dorn himself is a fascinating character. He is a successful newspaper columnist who seems to have it all—a thriving career, a beautiful wife, and a lavish lifestyle. However, beneath this veneer of success, Dorn is plagued by a sense of discontentment and a longing for something more meaningful. As the story progresses, Hecht masterfully peels back the layers of Dorn's persona, revealing a complex and deeply flawed individual. Dorn's journey of self-discovery is one that many readers will find relatable and thought-provoking.

Hecht's writing style is characterized by a sharp wit and a keen observation of human nature. His portrayal of the various characters that populate the novel is nothing short of brilliant. From the charismatic gangsters who roam the streets to the disillusioned intellectuals grappling with their own existential crises, each character is well-rounded and memorable.

One of the strengths of Erik Dorn lies in its exploration of various themes. Hecht delves into the corruption and moral decay that permeates society, as well as the struggle for identity and authenticity in an increasingly artificial world. He raises important questions about the nature of ambition, the meaning of success, and the price one is willing to pay in the pursuit of happiness.

However, while the novel possesses numerous strengths, it may not be for everyone. The pacing can occasionally be slow, and some readers might find certain passages overly philosophical or introspective. Additionally, the story can at times feel disjointed, as it jumps between different narrative threads and time periods. Nevertheless, those who appreciate literary fiction and atmospheric storytelling will find much to enjoy in Erik Dorn.

Overall, Ben Hecht's Erik Dorn is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that transports readers to an evocative time and place. Its engrossing narrative, well-crafted characters, and exploration of complex themes make it a worthwhile read for those who enjoy immersing themselves in richly textured tales of the human condition.

First Page:

ERIK DORN

by

BEN HECHT

G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London The Knickerbocker Press 1921

Copyright, 1921 by Ben Hecht

Printed in the United States of America

To

MARIE

CONTENTS

PAGE

PART I

SLEEP 1

PART II

DREAM 75

PART III

WINGS 173

PART IV

ADVENTURE 277

PART V

SILENCE 369

ERIK DORN

PART I

SLEEP

CHAPTER I

An old man sat in the shadows of the summer night. From a veranda chair he looked at the stars. He wore a white beard, and his eyes, grown small with age, watered continually as if he were weeping. Half hidden under his beard his emaciated lips kept the monotonous grimace of a smile on his face.

He sat in the dark, a patient, trembling figure waiting for bedtime. His feet, though he rested them all day, grew heavy at night. Of late this weariness had increased. It reached like a caress into his mind. Thoughts no longer formed themselves in the silences of his hours. Instead, a gentle sleep, dreamless and dark, came upon him and left him sitting with his little eyes, open and moist, fastened without sight upon familiar objects... Continue reading book >>




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