Thriller novels have always been a popular genre in literature, captivating readers with their suspenseful plots, intriguing characters, and atmospheric settings. In this article, we will be comparing two thrillers – Live by Night by Dennis Lehane and “Devolution” by Lars Emmerich – to explore the themes, writing styles, and characters that make these novels intriguing reads for fans of the genre.
Exploring the Suspenseful World of Thriller Novels
The thrillers we read today have evolved from the classic mystery novels of the past, with their focus on solving a crime or murder. Today’s thrillers are more complex, with intricate plots that keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Authors create a world of suspense by introducing dangerous situations and unpredictable characters that keep readers guessing about what’s going to happen next, and this is exactly what we find in Live by Night and “Devolution”.
One of the key elements of a successful thriller is the ability to create a sense of tension and unease in the reader. This can be achieved through the use of vivid descriptions, unexpected plot twists, and well-developed characters. In Live by Night, author Dennis Lehane masterfully weaves together a tale of organized crime, love, and betrayal set against the backdrop of Prohibition-era Boston. Meanwhile, “Devolution” by Max Brooks takes readers on a terrifying journey into the wilderness, where a group of people must fight for survival against a pack of savage creatures. Both of these works showcase the power of the thriller genre to captivate and thrill readers.
A Deep Dive into the Plot of Live by Night by Dennis Lehane
Dennis Lehane’s Live by Night is a novel set in the Prohibition era during the 1920s and 30s. The protagonist, Joe Coughlin, is an outlaw who runs an illegal liquor operation in Boston and later moves to Tampa to expand his business. The plot revolves around Joe’s criminal activities, his love interests, and his desire to rise to the top of the criminal underworld.
The plot is full of twists and turns, with Joe facing countless obstacles and betrayals from his associates. Lehane’s storytelling is compelling, with a mix of action, suspense, and romance that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The characters are well-developed, and their motivations are complex. Through Joe’s journey, we witness the dangers of greed, loyalty, and revenge.
One of the most interesting aspects of Live by Night is the historical context in which it is set. The Prohibition era was a time of great social and political change in the United States, and Lehane does an excellent job of capturing the mood and atmosphere of the time. From the speakeasies of Boston to the rum-running operations of Tampa, the novel provides a vivid and immersive portrait of a bygone era.
Another notable feature of the book is its exploration of the theme of identity. Joe Coughlin is a complex character who struggles with his own sense of self throughout the novel. As he rises through the ranks of the criminal underworld, he must confront the question of who he really is and what he stands for. This theme adds an extra layer of depth to the story and makes it all the more compelling.
The Intriguing Characters of Live by Night: A Comparative Analysis
“Devolution” by Lars Emmerich, on the other hand, features an ensemble of characters. The story follows a group of high school students who stumble upon a series of government conspiracies and cover-ups while investigating the death of one of their friends. The characters are diverse, and their personalities and backgrounds are well-crafted.
While both books have compelling characters, Live by Night’s characters are more developed, and their actions are more central to the plot. Joe Coughlin, for instance, is a complex character with a troubled past, and his relationships with other characters play a significant role in the story.
A Critical Look at the Writing Style of Dennis Lehane and Lars Emmerich
The writing styles of Lehane and Emmerich are quite different. Lehane’s prose is more atmospheric, with vivid descriptions that transport readers to the Prohibition era. His dialogue is realistic, and his use of slang and accents adds authenticity to the story.
Emmerich’s writing, on the other hand, is more straightforward and action-oriented. The story moves at a faster pace, with short chapters that keep the reader engaged. His writing style is effective for creating a sense of urgency and danger.
Comparing the Themes of Power and Greed in Live by Night and “Devolution”
Power and greed are central themes in both novels. In Live by Night, we see how the desire for power can corrupt even the most well-intentioned characters. Joe Coughlin, for instance, starts as a small-time thief, but his desire to climb the ladder of the criminal underworld leads him to commit increasingly violent crimes, compromising his morals along the way.
“Devolution”, on the other hand, explores the theme of power in the context of government conspiracies and cover-ups. The students’ investigation leads them to uncover illegal experiments conducted by the government, and they are forced to confront the truth about the people they trust.
Analyzing the Use of Setting and Atmosphere in Thriller Novels
The use of setting and atmosphere plays a crucial role in creating the suspenseful tone of a thriller novel. Live by Night’s Prohibition-era backdrop is expertly crafted, with vivid descriptions of the speakeasies, the jazz music, and the crooked politicians that ruled the cities. The atmosphere is fraught with danger and violence, and the tension is palpable throughout the book.
“Devolution” uses the setting of a small town in the Pacific Northwest to create a sense of isolation and claustrophobia. The story is set in the aftermath of a volcanic eruption, and the town is cut off from the outside world. The characters are forced to confront their fears and their relationships with each other, as well as the dangers lurking in the woods.
Examining the Role of Women in Live by Night and “Devolution”
Women play significant roles in both novels, although their positions are quite different. In Live by Night, women are often portrayed as hapless victims or femme fatales, temptresses who seduce men into their downfall. However, there are also instances of female characters gaining power and standing up for themselves, such as Graciela, Joe Coughlin’s love interest, who is a businesswoman in her own right.
“Devolution”, on the other hand, features more empowered and independent female characters. One of the protagonists, Kate, is a strong and resourceful woman who takes charge in several situations and uses her intelligence and wit to navigate the dangers around her.
The Impact of Historical Context on Thriller Novels
Historical context plays an essential role in both novels, influencing the events and characters’ attitudes and motivations. The Prohibition era in Live by Night sets the stage for the criminal activities the characters are involved in. The characters’ actions, motivations, and attitudes are shaped by the social and political norms of the time, such as racial segregation and prohibition laws.
In “Devolution”, the story is set in the present day, but the historical context is still an integral part of the plot. The government conspiracies and cover-ups the characters uncover are firmly rooted in historical events and attitudes, revealing the dark side of the country’s government and society.
The Future of Thriller Novels: Trends to Watch Out For
As the thriller genre evolves, new trends and sub-genres are emerging. Psychological thrillers, for instance, are gaining popularity, with their focus on the characters’ internal struggles and mental states. Dystopian thrillers, science fiction thrillers, and supernatural thrillers are also becoming more common, branching out into different genres to create unique and exciting stories.
However, no matter how the genre evolves, the core elements that make thrillers exciting – suspense, unpredictable characters, and dangerous situations – will always draw readers in.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Live by Night and “Devolution” are two gripping thrillers that showcase the genre’s power to captivate readers. While they may have different writing styles, themes, and characters, they both deliver suspenseful and engaging stories that keep readers on the edge of their seats. As the thriller genre continues to evolve, we can only look forward to more exciting stories and new trends to come.