If you are an avid reader, then you must have come across countless thriller novels that seem to prey on our fears and keep us on the edge of our seats. The ability of these novels to evoke such strong emotions makes them an indispensable genre of literature. In this article, we will delve into the thriller genre and compare the two popular novels – Live by Night by Dennis Lehane and “The Incident – Inferno Rising” by Lars Emmerich.
A Brief Overview of the Thriller Genre in Literature
Thriller novels form a genre that revolves around creating suspense and excitement through the use of thrilling sequences, dangerous situations, and high-octane action. A core element of this genre is the need for a mystery or a challenging predicament that the protagonist must navigate through to reach a resolution. The fast-paced narrative and attention-grabbing sequences serve as a perfect recipe for keeping the reader hooked till the end. Thriller novels are also known for their in-depth exploration of themes such as morality, ethics, and justice. Many great writers like Alfred Hitchcock, Stephen King, and Gillian Flynn have made significant contributions to the thriller genre.
One of the most popular sub-genres of thrillers is the psychological thriller. These novels focus on the mental and emotional states of the characters, often exploring the darker aspects of the human psyche. The tension in these stories is created through the psychological manipulation of the characters, rather than through physical action. Examples of popular psychological thrillers include “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn and “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins.
The Plot and Characters of Live by Night by Dennis Lehane
Live by Night by Dennis Lehane is a gripping tale of Prohibition-era Boston and Florida that follows the life of a young man named Joe Coughlin. Coughlin’s life takes a turn for the worse when he becomes embroiled in a war between two rival criminal organizations. The novel’s plotline is a classic example of the moral ambiguity seen in thrillers, where the protagonist is neither a hero nor a villain. The complex characters in the novel add depth and intrigue to the narrative, making it hard for the reader to pin any one label on them.
One of the most interesting characters in the novel is Emma Gould, a woman who captures Joe’s heart and becomes his partner in crime. Emma is a complex character who is both vulnerable and strong, and her relationship with Joe adds a layer of emotional depth to the story. Another notable character is Maso Pescatore, a ruthless gangster who is one of Joe’s main rivals. Pescatore is a fascinating character who is both terrifying and charismatic, and his interactions with Joe are some of the most intense moments in the novel. Overall, Live by Night is a thrilling read that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
The Plot and Characters of “The Incident – Inferno Rising” by Lars Emmerich
“The Incident – Inferno Rising” by Lars Emmerich follows the story of a group of terrorists who plan to blow up Washington, D.C., by igniting a series of underground gas explosions. The narrative revolves around CIA analyst Samir Patel, who uncovers the plot and takes it upon himself to avert the disaster. The novel has a well-crafted cast of characters that are both hero and villain, with the ethical lines blurred. It also explores themes such as power, corruption, and terrorism.
One of the most intriguing aspects of “The Incident – Inferno Rising” is the way in which Lars Emmerich portrays the motivations of the terrorists. Rather than simply painting them as evil, Emmerich delves into their backgrounds and experiences, showing how their actions are driven by a sense of desperation and a desire for justice. This adds a layer of complexity to the story, forcing readers to question their own assumptions about terrorism and the people who commit these acts.
Themes Explored in Live by Night and “The Incident – Inferno Rising”
Both Live by Night and “The Incident – Inferno Rising” explore themes that have become characteristic of the thriller genre. Live by Night chooses to deal with issues such as morality and justice, and the central character’s struggle to balance his own moral code with his criminal lifestyle. In contrast, “The Incident – Inferno Rising” tackles themes like corruption, terrorism, and the role of government agencies like the CIA. The novels’ central themes are explored in-depth, asking the reader to reflect on their own beliefs and values.
Narrative Style: A Comparison between Lehane and Emmerich’s Writing Techniques
One of the differences between Live by Night and “The Incident – Inferno Rising” is the narrative style used by their authors. Lehane’s novel is more of a character-driven narrative, with the plot unfolding gradually and steadily. The narrative switches between Joe Coughlin and other characters, allowing the reader to experience the story from different perspectives. In contrast, Emmerich’s novel takes a plot-driven approach, with the action and suspense being the driving force of the story. The narrative focuses more on the events unfolding than the character’s backstories.
A Critical Analysis of the Endings of Live by Night and “The Incident – Inferno Rising”
The endings of both novels are bound to leave a lasting impression on the reader. Live by Night has an emotionally satisfying ending that ties up all the loose ends and provides a sense of closure to the narrative. The novel’s final act is cathartic and provides an opportunity for the central character to right his wrongs. In contrast, “The Incident – Inferno Rising” concludes with a twist that is both shocking and thought-provoking. The ending leaves the reader to ponder the long-term consequences of the protagonist’s actions and leaves the narrative open-ended.
The Significance of Setting in Thriller Novels: A Look at Live by Night and “The Incident – Inferno Rising”
Setting plays a vital role in the thriller genre, and both Live by Night and “The Incident – Inferno Rising” make good use of their chosen locales. Live by Night’s setting is Prohibition-era Boston and Florida, a time when organized crime dominated large parts of the US. The setting adds to the novel’s authenticity and provides the perfect backdrop for the story of an anti-hero. Similarly, “The Incident – Inferno Rising” is set in Washington, D.C., a city filled with power, corruption, and conspiracy. The setting adds to the novel’s suspense, and the reader can feel the tension and urgency of the story as it unfolds in the nation’s capital.
How Do Lehane and Emmerich Tackle Suspense and Thrills Differently?
One of the defining characteristics of thrillers is their ability to generate suspense and thrills. Both Live by Night and “The Incident – Inferno Rising” are no exception, having their unique way of creating suspense. Lehane’s approach to suspense is more subdued and focuses more on the character’s emotions and relationships, which helps to build invested empathy with the characters. In contrast, Emmerich’s way of creating suspense is more on the nose, with action and events being the central force driving the story, creating a thrill ride from beginning to end.
The Role of Women in Live by Night vs “The Incident – Inferno Rising”
The role of women in thrillers is often overlooked, but both Live by Night and “The Incident – Inferno Rising” offer unique perspectives on women’s roles in the genre. In Live by Night, women are mainly portrayed as either objects of desire or subordinate characters to the male lead. However, the character of Emma Gould provides a refreshing change to the traditional treatment of female characters in thrillers. In contrast, “The Incident – Inferno Rising” has a well-crafted cast of female characters that play essential roles in the novel’s plot, adding depth to the narrative and challenging the traditional power dynamic between men and women in thrillers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Live by Night and “The Incident – Inferno Rising” are excellent examples of the thriller genre, offering unique perspectives on morality, ethics, and justice. While both novels share multiple similarities, they also shine a light on the distinct differences in writing style, narrative, and characterization that the genre can offer. Reading both novels side-by-side offers a fascinating opportunity to explore the genre in-depth, and see how different authors approach it in their unique ways.