The Asphalt Jungle by W. R. Burnett
This novel delves into the gritty underworld of urban crime, focusing on a meticulously planned jewelry heist that promises to be the ultimate payday for its diverse crew of small-time crooks and down-on-their-luck characters. However, as the operation unfolds, the group's carefully laid plans begin to unravel due to a mix of greed, betrayal, and the relentless pressure from law enforcement. Set against the backdrop of a bleak, post-war American city, the narrative explores themes of desperation, the elusive American dream, and the thin line between order and chaos in the pursuit of survival and redemption.
The 1642nd greatest book of all time
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- Published
- 1949
- Nationality
- American
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 230
- Original Language
- English
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- Alternate Titles
- None
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This book is on the following 4 lists:
- 1000 Novels Everyone Must Read (The Guardian)
- Keating’s 100 best crime and mystery books (Book)
- The 100 Best Crime Novels and Thrillers since 1945 (The Times)
- The 100 Best Thrillers according to Télérama (Télérama)