Alice B. reviewed on + 3563 more book reviews
Dick Francis was a jockey in Gereat Britain and Wales around World War 2. He is talking from experience. Beautiful copy!
Dick Francis' books are always an engrossing read. This time we have a hero who doubts himself because he does not not share in the family's brand of excellence. As does every Francis hero, he resolves this self-doubt before the end of the book, and it also reshapes for him the aching loss of his much-loved wife.
What's different and unusual about "Proof" is the chase scene at book's end. I happen to be immune to Stephen King's brand of horror. Francis doesn't practice that kind of nebulous terror. Instead, he gives us hero and sidekick taking the investigation of a murderous perpetrator into his lair. Our hero is, quite rightly, very frightened of the man, who is known to have executed a former ally in a peculiarly grisly and cruel fashion.
I first read this book upon its publication many long years ago. The details had escaped me, but I found myself unwilling to re-read that chase scene. When I finally did, waiting for broad daylight to read it in, I was astonished at the power and precision of Dick Francis' writing. I still had to change my underwear afterward.
The book's denouement is an equally powerful catharsis, accomplished with an economy of words that deprives it of none of its muscle. Highly recommended.
Dick Francis' books are always an engrossing read. This time we have a hero who doubts himself because he does not not share in the family's brand of excellence. As does every Francis hero, he resolves this self-doubt before the end of the book, and it also reshapes for him the aching loss of his much-loved wife.
What's different and unusual about "Proof" is the chase scene at book's end. I happen to be immune to Stephen King's brand of horror. Francis doesn't practice that kind of nebulous terror. Instead, he gives us hero and sidekick taking the investigation of a murderous perpetrator into his lair. Our hero is, quite rightly, very frightened of the man, who is known to have executed a former ally in a peculiarly grisly and cruel fashion.
I first read this book upon its publication many long years ago. The details had escaped me, but I found myself unwilling to re-read that chase scene. When I finally did, waiting for broad daylight to read it in, I was astonished at the power and precision of Dick Francis' writing. I still had to change my underwear afterward.
The book's denouement is an equally powerful catharsis, accomplished with an economy of words that deprives it of none of its muscle. Highly recommended.
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