The Barfighter Book

As change of pace from my normal reading, Goldman's story feels like a cross between Mickey Spillaine and John D. MacDonald. Those lofty first impressions are not responsible for the few quibbles I have with the novel but should be seen as an indication of the level of storytelling which I feel Goldman is capable of achieving.

The two main disappointments were the high-expectations raised by the publishers jacket blurb (yes, all of the places and events mentioned are contained in the novel, but several are mere backdrops, never integrating themselves into the story) and the abrupt, change in narrative POV in the final few paragraphs - a stylistic change that, while effective, radically altered the focus and feel of the story to such a degree that it left me feeling rather more disconcerted than satisfied.

All in all, I was glad to have read this and will be looking for more works by Goldman - both his previously published works and whatever he may try in the future.