James Lee Burke is a prolific, but consistently good author. Most of his books feature Dave Robicheaux, a sheriff in New Iberia, LA. Robicheaux’s police duties sometimes take him to nearby New Orleans, where Burke depicts the seamy side of the city.
His deeply flawed characters lend texture and complexity to his novels. His rich prose evokes a sense of place, whether he is describing the nutria in the lush swamp or pelicans flying over the delta.
Each time I finish his latest book, I say that was my favorite one. He just gets better and better. If you want a literary treat with a little grit, read James Lee Burke. Any Burke fans (or prospective Burke fans) out there? We’d love to hear your opinions and observations.
I like Dave Robicheaux, but Clete Purcell is the guy. He is mayhem and humanity–the ideal of vigilante justice. Together they are a duo of physically and emotionally crippled brothers who seek do good as they see it.
James Lee Burke is a great novelist. Like Hemmingway, his familiarity with place, plot and character allow him to paint brilliant images on the reader’s mental canvas without waste or compromise. The texture of his phrasing, round vowels and slashing consonants, invites you to feel comfortable despite your growing unease. His novels crackle with energy and passion, but never overwhelm the quiet tenderness and achingly beautiful prose that are often counterpoint to acts of extreme violence. He does write crime mysteries, after all. I’m not a fan of the genre, but I do appreciate good literature. If you like unique plotting, unforgettable characters and sensational writing, in short, good literature, you’ll love James Lee Burke.
I met someone I knew the first time I read one of his books, which was probably Neon Rain because that was the topic of an interview on NPR a long time ago. I’m an old(are there any other kinds”?) Nam vet who can hear, see and feel James Lee’s descriptions as I read them.
I have been concerned lately that there are no new novels for a while now. I am up with him so far, but I definitely want him to outlive me; Robert B. didn’t, and I miss him.
Dave G.