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129th out of 197 books
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158 voters
A Bomb Built in Hell
by
Andrew Vachss (Goodreads Author)
Andrew Vachss' pre-Flood novel A Bomb Built in Hell was written in 1973. It was rejected by every publisher, one of whom described it as a "political horror story," others of whom berated it for its "lack of realism," including such things as Chinese youth gangs and the fall of Haiti. And the very idea of someone entering a high school with the intent of destroying every l...more
ebook
Published
2000
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Andrew Vachss writes about the least among us and his main creation, Burke, is a warrior for children-wronged. I have only read a few books about Burke (and too many years ago) so maybe I have it wrong. Vachss wrote this book before "Flood" and all that came after. It wasn't published because it was too 'dire', or at least so it's reported. After reading this book I don't buy that. This is Wesley's story. To call him an anti-hero is to cut him way too much slack. He is a sick, twisted madman who...more
Written in 1973, this is one of those novels that’s both intriguing and hard-to-take at times due to some of the in-depth and bloody descriptions. This is not a slam, by the way, this is a real ‘shout-out’ to the writing ability of this author.
Wesley is our main character and is not new to Vachss’ readers. After spending many years in prison, Wesley is now a fabulous hit man. (If you can use that adjective when describing this occupation.) Going back in time, Wesley was a juvenile delinquent who...more
Wesley is our main character and is not new to Vachss’ readers. After spending many years in prison, Wesley is now a fabulous hit man. (If you can use that adjective when describing this occupation.) Going back in time, Wesley was a juvenile delinquent who...more
Before Burke there was Wesley (an omnipresent character alive or dead in the subsequent Burke series) and this book, originally written in 1973 and rejected by every publisher Vachss brought it to, was Wesley's story. Finally made available in digital format, it's a dark and brutal tale that shows Vachss' style already finely honed. Parentless child Wesley moves through a series of foster homes before being sent to Korea in the US Army as a plea deal to avoid jail. During the Korean War Wesley b...more
This author is a lawyer who has specialized in child abusive situations for years. He has only represented children only for some time. He wrote a series revolving around Burke, a survivor who never knew his own family and grew up in the state system. The author has a real flair for portraying the natural spunk of kids making do and making things work for themselves in impossible situations. Burke and other some other survivors rather developed their own "family" with strong affections and loyal...more
Dec 07, 2012
Kate
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommended to Kate by:
Kevin at Open Books
Shelves:
signed-by-author
"Andrew Vachss makes other crime novels/shows look like Teletubbies." ~ Kevin Elliot introducing Andrew Vachss at Open Books
Ok, so for two weeks leading up to Andrew Vachss' arrival at Open Books back in November, Kevin Elliot the book store guru at Open Books, kept saying how much he enjoyed this author and was so happy to have him come back to Chicago to do a reading at Open Books again.
I had not ever read a book by him, nor had I met him, so I figured I would be a book store volunteer that ni...more
Ok, so for two weeks leading up to Andrew Vachss' arrival at Open Books back in November, Kevin Elliot the book store guru at Open Books, kept saying how much he enjoyed this author and was so happy to have him come back to Chicago to do a reading at Open Books again.
I had not ever read a book by him, nor had I met him, so I figured I would be a book store volunteer that ni...more
Terrible. I have never read anything by this author before but apparently this was his first novel written in the 70s but not published until recently. The prose is written on a grade school level. Took about 3hrs to finish the entire "book." Considering the content and the current political climate regarding mass shootings and children the library should probably ban it. Some kid might get the wrong idea and attempt to follow the blueprint for a Columbine-esque mass shooting laid out at the con...more
The book of Wesley, and the pre-cursor to the Burke books, it is best understood as an experiment which led to the refinement of the Burke series. Although I enjoyed it, I would suggest that is really for completionists. I had already finished the first dozen or so Burke books and Vachss' short fiction when I read it, and the ragged edges of a first novel showed, but it was instructive to see how the characterization and themes had evolved. Definitely not the first Vachss book for anyone to star...more
Well I'm not done yet, but I must say I'm not disappointed. I read "Shella" a while back and was utterly enthralled and disturbed at the same time. Vachss has this uncanny way of describing the most brutal of human actions with such nonchalance that I've had to go back and reread several passages just to convince myself that Wesley, the cold-blooded antihero, really just did that. Not for the faint of heart. At all.
A book about loyalty in a violent world, filled with characters seeking revenge who end up carrying it to extremes in a very cold, methodical way until their time is up. The ending is abrupt but well planned, the loyalty ensured to continue, as the next generation watches in awe, ready to continue the work.
So good... not for beginners though... incredible that this was his first novel, not surprising that no one would publish it in the early 70s.
I love Andrew Vachss, the Burke series in one of my favourites, so good in fact that I have not read the last 2 books because I don't want it to end! Just a bit crazy ;)
I love Andrew Vachss, the Burke series in one of my favourites, so good in fact that I have not read the last 2 books because I don't want it to end! Just a bit crazy ;)
Mr. Vachss' long awaited first book finally sees a traditional release. This novel explores the life of Wesley, the shadowy figure from the Burke series. This novel is self-contained and no knowledge of the series would be required to enjoy this fine book.
An excellent author but a very violent book that you have to be careful reading. I covers alot of things, bombings, killings, cop killing etc. Loved the faithful protective dog of course. Good book but didn't like the ending. Cheers.
A good read, but lacking the heart that make the Burke novels so compelling. However, a good 'prequel' to his later works, but the 'Wesley' in this novel is different than the Burke books.
A really awful book. More killings per page than can be imagined and with a finale of the deaths of 450 schoolchildren. What a book!
Captivating, prophetic. This is an interesting prequel to the Burke novels—written in a spare style more like later novels than Flood b
An early book which horribly and accurately foretells some of the ghastliness of the present day world.
I'm not sure why??? Wow, now I know where Palianuk got started.
Murder from the perspective of a murderer for hire pro. Vachss' writing is hard core.
A release of an old Vachss novel, "A Bomb Built in Hell" is the story of Wesley, the ice man ghost killer from the Burke series. I'd been wanting to read this book for years since I first heard Vachss talk about it at a Barnes and Noble book signing in 2003. Man, do I ever miss Burke, the Prof, Max the Silent, Michelle, The Mole, Terry, and Clarence. They aren't in this novel, but it clearly sets the stage for the Burke books. The ending of the novel will cause some wincing in light of current e...more
The legend that I grew up hearing about through Burke, finally revealed; In no uncertain terms, Wes, frighteningly, lived up to my expectations!
I was intrigued by the description of the book when I was searching for any other Vachss on Kindle and was not disappointed in it. I rather like its stark text and bleakness, the ideas presented of a near perfect criminal and his code and can clearly see how Flood was developed from this. Well worth a read if you like his other novels.
Disturbing.
I think this is actually the first book Vachss wrote but could not get it published. I think Wesley is probably one of the uniquest characters in fiction and in this book we find out how he was trained, in prison, and what he did when he got out. Plenty of action, much violence which is to be expected and a good thriller as he takes on the mob and finds his place.
For die hard Burke fans this tells the story of Wesley, and much of it was incorporated into the Burke series. It was still a great read, and speaks unpolished truth. Wesley is gripping and terrifying character and his origins here are worth exploring. For new readers, I'd read the Burke books first before going back to this one, to see the roots laid bare.
Vachss intensity is clear and bright here. He, and his characters, understand people and themselves in ways that you wish they didn't. You'd sleep better if you didn't know, anyway.
I'm trying to figure out how Wesley's story fits in with the Burke books. I probably shouldn't try.
I've got some ideas.
What was the Kid's name, anyway?
I'm trying to figure out how Wesley's story fits in with the Burke books. I probably shouldn't try.
I've got some ideas.
What was the Kid's name, anyway?
This is amazing, amazing stuff and is available online as a free download. Written in 1973, it was never published, failing to attract enough interest (and accused of being "science fiction"). This novel tells the story of an ice-hearted hitman living in 1970's New York. Utterly brutal and relentless.
If you're a Vachss fan you'll enjoy this re-release of one of his first books. It is a good read but not as powerful as his later writings.
May 18, 2013
Joni
added it
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Andrew Vachss has been a federal investigator in sexually transmitted diseases, a social-services caseworker, a labor organizer, and has directed a maximum-security prison for “aggressive-violent” youth. Now a lawyer in private practice, he represents children and youths exclusively. He is the author of numerous novels, including the Burke series, two collections of short stories, and a wide varie...more
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“Stealing to eat ain’t criminal—stealing to be rich is.”
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“It isn’t much use writing slogans on a wall if you plan to total the building.”
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