The Tin Roof Blowdown: A Dave Robicheaux Novel by James Lee Burke
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Summary
This is the gruesome reality Iberia Parish Sheriff's Detective Dave Robicheaux discovers when he is deployed to New Orleans. As James Lee Burke's new novel, The Tin Roof Blowdown, begins, Hurricane Katrina has left the commercial district and residential neighborhoods awash with looters and predators of every stripe. The power grid of the city has been destroyed and New Orleans reduced to the level of a medieval society. There is no law, no order, no sanctuary for the infirm, the helpless, and the innocent. Bodies float in the streets and lie impaled on the branches of flooded trees. In the midst of an apocalyptical nightmare, Robicheaux must find two serial rapists, a morphine-addicted priest, and a vigilante who may be more dangerous than the criminals looting the city.
I decided to give "The Tin Roof Blowdown: A Dave Robicheaux Novel" a shot after seeing its high ratings. Unfortunately, I ended up feeling quite let down and had to push myself to reach the end. The story itself wasn't terrible, and the narration was actually quite impressive, but I simply couldn't find myself getting emotionally invested. It felt rather bleak and difficult to connect with any of the characters, including the supposed hero (that is, if there even was one).
I was seriously let down by this audiobook, especially considering its high rating. The language used throughout was absolutely revolting. I gave it a chance and listened to three chapters, but I couldn't take it anymore and deleted it. It was truly offensive.
I've come across a whole bunch of stuff about New Orleans after Katrina, but nothing really captures it like this book does. The way Patton delivers it, it hits you right in the feels. It's so on point that it becomes an integral part of the book.
The relationship between the characters is a major factor that adds depth to the overall storyline throughout the series. However, I think this book can still stand on its own. If you've ever been curious about diving into a James Lee Burke book, this one might just be the perfect choice. I can't say for sure what it's like to read it instead of listening, but I can guarantee you that the combination of writing and narration is top-notch. It's one of those rare gems that you won't want to miss.
Burke's writing style and the narrator's delivery in 'The Tin Roof Blowdown: A Dave Robicheaux Novel' are once again exceptional. However, it would be beneficial for Burke to explore other methods of building tension instead of constantly resorting to threats against Robicheaux's family. Throughout the book, I found myself more frustrated with Dave's repeated inability to identify perilous situations that put his wife and daughter at risk, rather than feeling a heightened sense of suspense.
If you chopped off all of Robicheaux's deep thoughts, self-reflections, moments of uncertainty, haunting memories from Vietnam, political leaning, self-pity, and biased character analyses, this book could easily be shortened by two-thirds. It appears that Burke has employed the same predictable pattern from his previous works, and to be honest, it's becoming tedious. It seems like Burke has exhausted his ideas and is becoming dull.
The standout aspect of this audiobook is definitely Will Patton's narration.
James Lee Burke utilizes similes throughout the book. While some are clever, the majority come across as meaningless, lackluster, or just plain dull. The overall reading experience feels like a nightmarish letdown, and that's a pretty accurate comparison.
The extensive flashbacks to Vietnam in the story tend to be lengthy, tedious, and take away from the main plotline. It seems like their purpose is mainly to stretch the book from a novella to a novel.
The book is set in New Orleans during late August and September 2005, specifically before, during, and after Hurricane Katrina. It incorporates real names of government officials at the city, state, and federal level, with Burke aiming to provide an authentic portrayal of the conditions on the ground. However, he falls short in weaving his fictional characters, led by Dave Robicheaux, into this supposedly non-fictional backdrop. The story feels lackluster at best (to put it mildly), and the handling of the non-fiction elements is so distorted and politically biased that it raises doubts about Burke's integrity.
It's been eight years since this disappointing book was published, and it's unlikely to garner much attention from future readers. However, despite this, I feel compelled to share my reasons for giving it a poor rating. Novels as deceptive and poorly written as The Tin Roof Blowdown motivate me to express my dissatisfaction.
The social commentary in this book often disrupted the flow of the story. It's worth noting that Hurricane Katrina didn't directly hit New Orleans, but rather the Mississippi Gulf Coast, while New Orleans experienced the weaker side of the storm. The extensive damage in the city was primarily caused by the flooding, which is unsurprising considering its location below sea level. It's pretty obvious, right?
Burke's books keep getting better with each one, or at least that's how it feels. Maybe, once all of them are read, I'll try reading them in reverse order to see if each one stands out on its own. James Lee Burke, I appreciate you getting clean and staying that way. I'm grateful that you not only entertain us but also inspire us with your incredible storytelling. And I must say, Will, the narrator, does an amazing job. Thank you for that.
Will Patton's narration perfectly matches the eloquent and captivating writing style of Burke. The story itself is a tragic one, filled with a diverse range of unique and cleverly crafted characters. However, at times, the suspense may feel slightly overshadowed. Personally, I found myself not wanting this book to come to a close. As someone who appreciates Will Patton's acting abilities in films, I must say that I am even more impressed with his exceptional reading skills.
James Lee Burke is an incredibly talented writer. The way he tells the story amidst the chaos of post-Katrina New Orleans is truly one of the best in its genre. The story is skillfully crafted, with multiple layers and fully fleshed-out characters who are more than just background decoration. The plot twists and turns, keeping you on your toes, and even when you think someone is utterly disreputable, they surprise you with a glimmer of humanity.
I absolutely adore the fascinating characters that Burke brings to life in his books, and in this case, the villains are exceptionally eerie, thanks to the superb narration by Patton. They feel disturbingly real.
I highly recommend the entire series, and what's even more impressive is that it keeps getting better as it progresses. Unlike many other series that peak and lose their appeal, this one continues to captivate.
The opening scenes that vividly depict the devastation after Katrina alone make this book worth every penny. It's truly remarkable literature.
I cannot recommend it enough.
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