Horace McCoy was an American writer known for his hardboiled crime novels and screenplay writing. He is most recognized for his novel “They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?” which depicted the struggles of Depression-era Americans. Throughout his career, McCoy wrote a total of nine novels.
Horace McCoy Books in Order
- They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?
- Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye
- I Should Have Stayed Home
- No Pockets in a Shroud
- Загнанных лошадей пристреливают, не правда ли?
- Four Novels: They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? / Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye / No Pockets in a Shroud / I Should Have Stayed Home
- ¿Acaso no matan a los caballos? / Luces de Hollywood
- Scalpel
- Corruption City: A Novel
- The Mopper-Up
Synopsis of Horace McCoy Books in Order
They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?
“They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?” by Horace McCoy is a gritty and gripping novel set during the Great Depression. The story follows protagonist Robert Syverten, an out-of-work and down-on-his-luck young man who becomes involved in a grueling dance marathon contest in order to win a cash prize. The marathon, held in a seedy ballroom, becomes a harrowing test of endurance for the participants as they are pushed to their physical and emotional limits.
As the days and nights drag on, the contestants face exhaustion, despair, and desperation, all while being manipulated and exploited by the event’s organizers for the entertainment of spectators. Syverten forms a bond with fellow contestant Gloria Beatty, a troubled young woman who sees the marathon as her last hope for a better future. The novel offers a raw and unflinching portrayal of the harsh realities of life during the Depression, as well as a powerful commentary on the dehumanizing effects of societal pressures and exploitation.
Told with gripping intensity and unapologetic realism, “They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?” is a haunting and compelling exploration of human endurance, sacrifice, and the oppressive forces that drive individuals to their breaking points. McCoy’s stark prose and vivid characterizations make for a profoundly impactful reading experience that delves into the darkest depths of the human experience.
Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye
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I Should Have Stayed Home
“I Should Have Stayed Home” by Horace McCoy is a collection of noir short stories that explore the dark and seedy underbelly of society. The book delves into the lives of various characters, from down-and-out drifters to disillusioned veterans, as they navigate through the grim and gritty world they inhabit. McCoy’s writing is both gritty and evocative, painting a vivid and stark picture of the human condition and the struggles of those living on the margins of society.
The stories in “I Should Have Stayed Home” are characterized by their bleak and unflinching portrayal of the human experience. McCoy’s prose is spare and unsentimental, conveying a sense of despair and hopelessness that permeates the lives of his characters. The book offers a raw and unvarnished look at the darker side of life, delving into themes of alienation, desperation, and the search for meaning in a world devoid of hope.
Overall, “I Should Have Stayed Home” is a powerful and haunting collection of stories that offers a glimpse into the lives of those who have been cast aside by society. McCoy’s writing is unflinching in its portrayal of the harsh realities of life, and the book’s stories are sure to leave a lasting impact on readers.
No Pockets in a Shroud
“No Pockets in a Shroud” by Horace McCoy is a gripping crime novel set in San Francisco during the 1930s. The story follows the life of Bill Bailey, a down-and-out boxer who gets caught up in a world of crime and corruption. As he struggles to make a living, Bailey finds himself drawn into a dangerous web of deceit, betrayal, and violence. The novel delves into the seedy underbelly of the city’s criminal underworld, painting a vivid and gritty picture of the harsh realities faced by those living on the fringes of society.
As Bailey navigates the treacherous world of organized crime, he is forced to confront his own moral compass and make difficult choices that will ultimately determine his fate. The novel is a dark and atmospheric portrayal of desperation, greed, and the struggle for survival in a harsh and unforgiving world. Horace McCoy’s masterful prose and vivid characterizations bring the story to life, immersing readers in a world where danger lurks around every corner and not everyone makes it out alive.
“No Pockets in a Shroud” is a riveting and intense crime novel that offers a compelling glimpse into the lives of those living on the margins of society. With its gritty portrayal of crime and corruption, the novel delivers a powerful and thought-provoking narrative that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. McCoy’s skillful storytelling and richly drawn characters make this a must-read for fans of noir fiction and crime thrillers.
Загнанных лошадей пристреливают, не правда ли?
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Four Novels: They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? / Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye / No Pockets in a Shroud / I Should Have Stayed Home
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¿Acaso no matan a los caballos? / Luces de Hollywood
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Scalpel
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Corruption City: A Novel
“Corruption City: A Novel” by Horace McCoy is a hard-hitting crime novel that delves into the underbelly of Los Angeles in the 1930s. The story follows detective Bart Harland as he navigates the corrupt and dangerous world of the city’s criminal elite. As Harland delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of deceit, violence, and betrayal that threatens to consume him.
The novel offers a gritty and realistic portrayal of the criminal underworld, combining elements of noir with social commentary. McCoy’s writing captures the desperation and moral ambiguity of the characters, painting a vivid picture of a city on the edge of chaos. As Harland struggles to make sense of the chaos around him, he must confront his own demons and make difficult choices that will have far-reaching consequences.
“Corruption City” is a compelling and suspenseful read that explores themes of power, greed, and the human capacity for deception. McCoy’s vivid prose and sharp dialogue bring the story to life, immersing the reader in the tense and dangerous world of 1930s Los Angeles. The novel is a gripping exploration of the dark side of human nature and the struggle for justice in a city consumed by corruption.
The Mopper-Up
“The Mopper-Up” by Horace McCoy is a gripping story set in the 1930s during the Great Depression. The novel follows the life of Henry Nicholson, a former college football star who is now struggling to make ends meet as a laborer. Henry’s life takes a drastic turn when he becomes involved with a group of radical activists who are planning to overthrow the government. As Henry becomes more deeply embroiled in the group’s activities, he must confront the moral dilemmas and ethical choices that arise from his involvement in the movement.
The novel also delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the struggle for power. Henry is forced to grapple with the consequences of his decisions as he navigates the dangerous and uncertain landscape of political activism. With its vivid portrayal of the era and its exploration of complex moral and ethical issues, “The Mopper-Up” is a thought-provoking and engrossing read that offers a compelling look at the human condition in times of turmoil.
The Mopper-Up” offers a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the personal and political turmoil of the Great Depression era. The novel’s richly developed characters and gripping plot keep readers engaged and eager to uncover the outcome of Henry’s journey. Through Henry’s experiences, McCoy paints a vivid portrait of a tumultuous and transformative period in American history, allowing readers to gain insight into the complex interplay of personal ethics and political ideology.
Who is Horace McCoy
Horace Stanley McCoy, an American novelist, is known for his gritty, hardboiled novels that depict the struggles of Americans during the Depression and post-war eras. Born in 1897 in Tennessee and raised in Texas, McCoy served in the air force during World War I before pursuing a career as a journalist, film actor, and screenplay writer. He authored five novels, including the acclaimed “They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?” (1935) and the noir classic “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye” (1948). Despite being underappreciated in his time, McCoy is now regarded as a peer of Dashiell Hammett and James Cain. He passed away in Beverly Hills, California, in 1955.
In conclusion, Horace McCoy’s books provide a glimpse into the dark side of human nature and society, with themes of corruption, desperation, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Through his powerful storytelling and complex characters, McCoy offers a critical examination of the capitalist system and its impact on the individual. His work serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of life and the consequences of unchecked ambition and moral compromise. McCoy’s books continue to resonate with readers, offering valuable ideological lessons that remain relevant in today’s society.
FAQs about author Horace McCoy
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