I am not surprised that “The Ice Harvest” (written in 2000) was made into a film back in 2005. It has all the basic elements of a blockbuster – blood, money, and sex. One day I wandered into Cold Storage while killing time and at the book section, I picked up the hardcover version of “The Ice Harvest” selling at a discounted price of S$8. The novel looks short (about 60,000 words I reckon), which is just what I needed. I was intrigued by the excerpt of the story and the book comes with the marketing statement: “You’ll love it as much as Fargo … or your money back”. I don’t think contacting Marian Hursey on 01256 302 900 will get my S$8 back but such a level reassurance got me curious. I have not read the book “Fargo” yet (supposed to be one of the classic story of murder and mayhem). Perhaps one day, perhaps never.
Set in Wichita, Kansas on Christmas Even 1979, this merely 200 pages fiction takes the readers for a 24-hours journey of Charlie Arglist’s life in the form of black comedy. I especially enjoy how the author describes the surroundings and the people in details and then introduces the names mainly through conversations. Somehow it is more memorable that way. Nothing is in excess in “The Ice Harvest” and there are enough short events to keep me interested from the first page to the last. Some of the story development actually surprised me. Just enough amount of mystery is planted as the story unfolds that keeps the story engaging all the way till the end. I wish I could say more than just “blood, money, and sex” (note: if you don’t enjoy noir fictions, this book is not for you) but part of the fun of reading this book is to be surprised (like I did) so I better wrap up this blog right now.
I thoroughly enjoy reading “The Ice Harvest” and am now a new fan of Scott Phillips. Time to hit the library to borrow more of his books!