SPOILERS!! THE GLASS RAINBOW ending and plot discussed here

[tntfa]

I just finished this book...read every one abt Dave, Clete, the first wife, Bootsie, Annie, Molly, Tripod, Alafair, Batist etc.etc...I do not want to believe Dave and Clete are dead...and I think Clete pulled him back down the gangplank..they are still alive..also Dave did not see Annie..and he has seen her before...I think Mr. Burke is leaving it open whether they live or die..for when he decides to write abt them again..or this be the last of them..Please do not let this be the last of the Bobbsey Twins from Homicide.

They have become like real people to me..so I shall miss them..I always feel sad when a book is finished...like I am losing my good friends..Mr. Burke is simply the best writer I have ever read...He made his characters come alive in each novel..they have passion, character and a love of life...so please keep Dave and Clete going.

I wish I had a friend like Clete....he has your back...all the time..even when he fights his own demons..YAY...he comes thru..what a guy...I think he is my favorite character...besides Tripod...love him..and of course Dave walks away with it every time..

and all the stories of Louisiana...no one captures the flavors of Louisiana like Mr. Burke..and oh.. the character's names...don't you just love them...oh.. again...to describe a character in his book..saying "a man with wavy hair conked in the shape of a gingerbread cake..whoever heard such a description of HAIR???..

It is a dazzling state...I spent some time working there and it never fails to amaze me when I return..Mr. Burke's words are on fire...he breathes life into his people...they are vivid in their creation...you just see them like they are ready to step out of the book into your living room.

I hope he writes forever.

[sodbuster]

Hi -- just finished reading the first third of the Glass Rainbow. Can't read any further. I must say that the predictability of the characters (including Snuggs and Tripod)and their behavior is so tired and worn out. There has been no freshness in the characters demeanor nor their relationships to each other for quite a few books. I started with The Neon Rain--back then it was terrific to learn about Louisiana, the history, the myths and your characters. It thrilled me to talk to Alafair on the phone when she worked for Multnomah County in Oregon. Beside the point, I know. I thought maybe a change of location to Montana would help but not in comparison with Crumley, Bass, Cahill, Canty and McGuane. I know almost all mystery writers run their characters into the ground--look at Michael Connelly. But Pelecanos, Lehane, Leonard and others stay fresh. I think you have it in you. I wouldn't write if I didn't care. Best, Reid

[CaribooRose]

HI sodbuster
Welcome

My reading choices tend to lead towards a series rather than a "one-off" ... I enjoy the evolution of character(s) developing over time ... the first few stories are typically revolutionary in terms of all the information I need to learn ... but the more stories there are to a series, the more the characters are fine-tuned, defining and refining their quirks and quarks ... and, well, growing older, too.

I suppose it could be compared to a love affair ... all hot 'n' heavy 'n' bright 'n' shiney ... then settled into routine ... hopefully not falling into complacency.

Regards!!
Rose

[andrewwarne]

Like all of you i've just finished this magnificent book, one that I think is his best ever, topping my previous favourite, confederates, and am stunned. I want to think they'll be OK, that next time they'll have come through it battered and maybe impaired, but somehow still going, and as a previous poster said, being on the gangplank suggests they pulled back from leaving on the boat. However one nagging thought I have is that these guys represent the past, the best in a way, of the country and the society they grew up in, which the book reflects on more than ever before is clearly changing progressively for the worst. The protaganists in rainbow represent the forces of destruction for this in several ways, socially, criminally and financially, not mention the abuse of power from authority, so I do have a concern that the death of one or both of these heros is an allegory for this dreadful decline, and therefore maybe is terminal. All I can say is what a book, what a writer, and fingers crossed for the future

[Janice Warne]

I have heard that one's life flashes before one's eyes at the point of death, so perhaps this is JLB'S intention, to say goodbye to these two strong characters! Signposts throughout the story of a harbinger of doom, and the black daughter of old man Abelard, who appears to have second sight,('disappearing'!?) are the clues, but I found intreagueing, the old 'gunbull's' comments about the Kennedy's gave me goosebumps, having watched that same night, the program, '3 bullets that changed America'. Perhaps Robichaux has had his run.....whatever JLB decides is fine by me! Vale, JLB!!!!

[teecrin]

Just finished The Glass Rainbow a few days ago and, like everyone else, I was blown away by the ending. What a magnificent book! After reading many of the 125 opinions posted so far about Dave and Clete's fate, I have to believe they'll be back. Maybe it's just wishful thinking, but being on the gangplank, and not the boat, gives me hope. Also, I can't see Dave go out by being shot in the back by a dominatrix.

Perhaps Jim isn't even sure at this point whether the boys live or die. Though specific ages aren't mentioned, they both must be over 70, and maybe Jim thinks it's time for Alafair to start chasing down the bad guys. I think she would be a great choice to replace Dave, but let's face it, no one can replace Clete.

The BP oil spill should provide a lot of material for another great story next summer, so c'mon Jim, bring the boys back for another go.

[picker61]

JLB is hands down my favorite author...I would hate it beyond measure if Dave, or Clete or Dave and Clete died this way. I can see a heart attack, or really I was looking for Tripod to die. I can see Alafair as a cop though. Anyhow that's my $.02.

[gez]

Do ya'll suppose, by any chance, that Mr Burke will be inclined to shed some light on this issue?

[pamala]

He has commented in the JLB threads, and in a nutshell, he says Dave's and Clete's fates are not certain, even to him.

[penelope]

Do ya'll suppose, by any chance, that Mr Burke will be inclined to shed some light on this issue?

He has been holding his cards close to his vest so far. However, if this was the true end, it was fitting. Dave and Clete went down fighting.