The Big Sleep
NovelAbout
The Big Sleep is a classic detective novel by Raymond Chandler, published in 1939. It introduces Philip Marlowe, a private investigator hired by General Sternwood to address a blackmail issue involving his daughter Carmen. The case revolves around Arthur Geiger, who runs a pornography racket from his rare bookstore. Marlowe's investigation unfolds amidst a complex web of murder and deceit, as he encounters Geiger's murder and finds Carmen at the scene. The plot thickens with the death of Sternwood's chauffeur and the disappearance of Vivian's husband, Rusty Regan. As Marlowe delves deeper, he uncovers a network of blackmailers and corrupt figures, including Eddie Mars and his enforcer Canino. Despite the risks, Marlowe continues to seek truth, driven by his integrity and sense of honor. The novel explores themes of corruption and the darker aspects of society, with Marlowe symbolizing a modern-day knight navigating these challenges. The story concludes with Marlowe's realization of Carmen's role in Rusty's disappearance and his decision to protect the family's secrets, reflecting on the inevitability of death and the "big sleep."
