reviews
Nov 22, 2010
Mark R.
rated it: 
Shaw's main themes in "Nightwork" revolve around morality, specifically what things a typically "moral" person might do in order to advance himself financially and socially. There were times, reading it, that I felt Shaw's lead, Douglas Grimes, was a bit dull--and, overall, I don't think he's nearly as fun to follow as the leads in some of Shaw's other books, like "Rich Man, Poor Man" or "Evening in Byzantium"--but there are moments where I got very invol
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Aug 18, 2009
Manny
rated it:
Sort of a retelling of the Parable of the Talents, but with a lot more sex and violence. The hero works as the night clerk at a cheap hotel, and one evening discovers that an elderly guest has had a heart attack, leaving a large number of high-denomination bills lying in plain view. What would Jesus do? (In case you're also wondering, let me state plainly that I don't have the faintest idea). But, anyway, you can maybe interpret Luke 19:12-27 and Matthew 25:14-30 to mean that you should pocket t
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Sep 07, 2011
Harry
rated it:
The story of a grounded pilot, down in his luck, who is working as a night clerk at a run-down hotel. A resident in the hotel dies suddenly, and leaves $100,000 in his room. The clerk takes the money and goes to Europe where he falls in with a veteran gambler who leads him across the Continent, gambling and enjoying all the benefits of wealth.
Although the plot sounds lame, the story is well-written, the characters thoroughly developed, and there is enough action to keep the reader More...
Although the plot sounds lame, the story is well-written, the characters thoroughly developed, and there is enough action to keep the reader More...
Jan 29, 2009
Jeff
rated it: 
A master storyteller at the height of his game. A man comes into possession (only somewhat legally) of a good deal of money, and then runs from anyone who might come looking for it. Humor, excitement, full-blooded characters, and great dialogue. Shaw was as good as anyone at moving a story along, but he was head-and-shoulders above most writes of popular fiction. This is not one of his best-known titles (it was never made into a movie), but it should be. Read it.
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Dec 06, 2011
DoctorM
rated it: 
An old favourite--- something read long ago, when I was barely at university. "Nightwork" is a clever wish-fulfillment/caper novel that asks the old, old question: what would you do, how would you change your life, if you found that briefcase full of clandestine money? Very much a fun read for anyone with escape fantasies.
Nov 20, 2008
I've decided I'm a big Irwin Shaw fan after Rich Man, Poor Man and Beggarman, Thief!
Jul 28, 2011
Derek
rated it: 
Too long ago to remember much specific about this, pretty standard stuff.
Oct 04, 2009
Brent
rated it:
A 70s novel easily identified with that time period but still a decent read.
Jan 18, 2009
Adrianne
rated it:
My father in law recommended this book, and now I know why...for those of you that don't know him, he is an avid gambler...this whole book was about gambling on life and gambling in general - not just in a casino but on the stock market/horses/art work - you get the pic. It was an okay book - nothing to right home about - which is why it took me so long to read - but since my FIL recommended, I did feel obligated and thought it would give me something of interest outside of gambling to talk abou
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Jul 07, 2011
Robert
rated it:
Excellent morality tale. Story moves fast but never wavers in delivering a great one from this author. Loved it.
Feb 13, 2008
Reed
rated it:
This book kept moving. about a man that finds $100,000 while working as a security guard--keeps the money than in his travels to hide/keep the money, a thief steals it from him and they become partners! Fun to read.
Oct 09, 2008
Puddinheadjoe
rated it:
I read this book because it was revered by the readers in another book, The Tender Bar. Not highly recommended, though it gives me a good idea of who I don't want to be and what I don't want to do.
Feb 15, 2012
Feb 12, 2012
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