Perfidia

Perfidia is set in Los Angeles over 23 days in December 1941, beginning on the eve of the Pearl Harbor attack. The story follows four main characters through the chaos and paranoia of wartime LA: Japanese-American police chemist Hideo Ashida, ambitious young Kay Lake, LAPD Captain William Parker, and Irish-born Sergeant Dudley Smith. The narrative unfolds in real-time through precise timestamps and Kay Lake's diary entries, chronicling police investigations and political intrigue amid rising anti-Japanese sentiment. A mix of real historical figures and fictional characters populate the dark streets of 1940s Los Angeles, creating a complex web of law enforcement, politics, and crime. The novel serves as both a prequel and expansion to Ellroy's original L.A. Quartet, following some familiar characters in their earlier years. It marks the first installment in Ellroy's Second L.A. Quartet, continuing his exploration of mid-century Los Angeles through crime fiction. The story examines themes of racial prejudice, institutional corruption, and personal loyalty against the backdrop of a city transformed by war. Through its interconnected characters and plot lines, the novel presents a stark portrait of American society at a crucial historical turning point.

Readers note the book's dense, staccato writing style and complex web of characters require focus and patience. Many call it exhausting but rewarding. Positive reviews highlight: - Detailed historical recreation of 1941 Los Angeles - Raw, unflinching portrayal of racism and corruption - Intricate plotting that comes together in the end - Enhanced depth for characters from Ellroy's other works Common criticisms: - Repetitive internal monologues - Too many subplots and characters to track - Excessive length (700+ pages) - Stylized prose becomes tiresome One reader described it as "like being beaten over the head with a typewriter for 700 pages." Another called it "a fever dream of wartime paranoia." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (3,800+ ratings) Amazon: 3.8/5 (500+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.8/5 (200+ ratings) The book appears most popular with existing Ellroy fans familiar with his style and previous works.

The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy Another entry in Ellroy's L.A. Quartet follows two LAPD detectives investigating the infamous 1947 murder case while navigating corruption in post-war Los Angeles.

Farewell, My Lovely by Raymond Chandler Set in 1940s Los Angeles, this noir classic follows private detective Philip Marlowe through a criminal underworld that shares Perfidia's dark vision of the city.

December 6 by Martin Cruz Smith A Japanese-American protagonist navigates cultural tensions and conspiracy in Tokyo on the eve of Pearl Harbor, mirroring Perfidia's wartime themes.

The Given Day by Dennis Lehane This historical crime novel set in 1919 Boston presents multiple viewpoints of law enforcement and social upheaval during a pivotal moment in American history.

IQ by Joe Ide A contemporary crime story set in Los Angeles follows a Japanese-American detective, echoing Perfidia's exploration of racial dynamics in the city's criminal investigations.

🔍 Ellroy's own mother was murdered in 1958 when he was 10 years old, and this unsolved crime profoundly influenced his writing career and fascination with noir fiction. 📚 "Perfidia" is the first book in Ellroy's Second L.A. Quartet, serving as a prequel to his acclaimed L.A. Quartet series that includes "The Black Dahlia" and "L.A. Confidential." 🗺️ The term "perfidia" means treachery or faithlessness in Spanish and Italian, and was also the title of a popular 1940s song about betrayal that became particularly poignant during WWII. 🏛️ The internment of Japanese Americans, which forms a crucial backdrop to the novel, resulted in approximately 120,000 people being forcibly relocated to camps between 1942 and 1945. 🎬 Known as "The Demon Dog of American Crime Fiction," Ellroy famously doesn't use a computer, writing all his works by hand or on a typewriter, including the 700+ pages of "Perfidia."