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 2095th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1949
- Nationality
- American
- Type
- Fiction
- Pages
- Unknown
- Words
- Unknown
- Original Language
- English
- Alternate Titles
- None
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This book is on the following 3 lists:
- The 100 Best Crime Novels and Thrillers since 1945 (The Times)
- 1000 Novels Everyone Must Read (The Guardian)
- The 100 Best Thrillers according to Télérama (Télérama)