Mildred Pierce by James M. CainMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I've seen this repeatedly referred to as being "hard boiled" and noir, but I'm not sure either of those accurately captures the essence of Cain's third novel. Such descriptions really set the reader up for disappointment. This book is a tragedy, really. It's an intimate, at times painful, portrait of the rise of fall of Mildred Pierce. This book is a fascinating look into the kinds of unhealthy relationships that parents and children can find themselves in.
If you're looking for the pulpy crime thrillers of the time, you won't find that here, but if you're looking for a sordid tale about a woman obsessed with winning her daughter's affection at any cost, you're in the right place.
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