Gates of Eden

by Ethan Coen

Book Overview

"A distinctive voice and an offbeat worldview...All of these stories take place in Coen Brothers Land, a parallel universe similar to our own--except it's weirder, funnier, and better edited. -- New... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0688159141
• ISBN13: 9780688159146
• Release Date: October 1998
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 1.04 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.9" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

Hilarious and distrubing...

As a big fan of his movies, I was really inpressed with this collection of short stories. This guy can really write. GATES OF EDEN will leave you wondering if every story included could be made into a film. Brilliant!

Help! Coen turned people into pulp!

Well no, these aren't actual people in Coen's stories, but they are 'real' and brilliantly drawn. The dark humor those familiar with the Coen Bros. movies is ever-present in these stories, and Ethan proves he's as capable a writer as a storyteller, with very clever use (and abuse) of language and clever turns of phrase. I suppose what I enjoyed most is that every chapter of this short-story collection is a *story*, rather than just a writing exercise from a creative writing course. These stories are populated by *characters*, and the actions of these characters advance the *plot*. Each is pure fun to read, and again, are excellent *stories*. They're about people, and the things people do, and how screwed up the whole species really it.

From Hector Berlioz, p.i., to the weights-and-measures man.

Coen brothers. Just say the words, and most moviegoers can tell you what you're probably in for. Crime. Criminals. Mystery. Shenanigans. The same holds true for "Gates of Eden," a collection of short stories by Ethan Coen, one-half of the brother team (bro is Joel Coen) that created such contemporary classics as "Blood Simple," "Fargo," "O Brother Where Art Thou?" and, most recently, "The Man Who Wasn't There." With the short stories in "Gates," Ethan displays the tendency to irresistible characters that the brothers have put to such acclaimed use in their films. And characters they are. Hapless schmucks, crooks who just don't seem to have a clue, oddballs and hitmen, all of whom are destined to win your heart. Or, at the very least, your funny bone. The title story is probably my favorite, simply because it examines a career that is usually shucked aside by storytellers in favor of more glamorous work: The weights-and-measures man. It's Joe Gendreau's job to make sure the gas station attendant isn't overcharging for or skimping on gas; a beating with a tire iron will keep him straight. All in a day's work, ma'am. Like Joe says, "Standards are what make us a society. A community agrees. A gallon is a gallon. A pound is a pound. He who says fifteen ounces is a pound - he must be put down. A pound is a pound, or we go bango." Sigh. Coen's use of dialogue makes me weak in the knees. Oh, to have that firm control of dialect. Other faves in "Gates":"Destiny": A knocked-out-too-often boxer agrees to take pictures of guy's wife in bed with a business associate, and ends up caught in between two gentlemen of less than civil reputation. "Cosa Minapolidan": Among other things, a mob boss wants a fresh stiff. But the guys he's got on the job ain't quite right in the head, if you know what I'm saying. And one of 'em's new on the job. "Hector Berlioz, Private Investigator": Aside from his name, there's nothing out of the ordinary about this private investigator. Coen sets the whole story like it could be an old-fashioned radio drama, and the results are both familiar and fantastic. "A Fever in the Blood": Next to "Eden," this is the best story in the collection. Another p.i. finds himself deaf in one ear psychologically after having the other one bitten off. Brings the "Twilight Zone" to mind, complete with twist at the end. Perfection. Anyone in need of a quick pick-me-up or an enjoyably light read can do worse than Coen. Grab your teddy bear, hunker down under the covers after (or in the middle of) a long day and thank your lucky stars you don't lead these sorry souls' lives.

Fantastic, Coenesque dreamland

A collection of stories which not only herald a long and successful career as a fictional novel writer, but which also makes definable links to the brothers film work. Original and very, very funny, in a way only ever really created by a Coen.The man is a God.

Escellent Book

This was a great a book as you'll ever want to read. It is extremely entertaining, humourous, enthralling and witty. Coen's mastery of language, dialect, and the human mind is captured in these few short vignettes. If he intends on scribbling more short stories in addition to his films, I'm all for it.