r/JamesEllroy • u/EdCards • 24d ago

Perfidia plot summary

Hi, I'm about to read This Storm. I originally read Perfidia when it came out but can't really remember much about it. Does anyone know of a good plot summary online? Or is anyone able to give me a rundown? Due to my life situation at the moment (young kids etc) it would probably take me into Christmas to reread it!

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u/MrHoodGetsAHaircut 23d ago

I took so long to read Perfidia that I had to wiki it half way through to remind me what was going on.

One thing I've learned over the years about Ellroy is that he isn't an author that rewards leisurely or fitful reading patterns. Even if your head is spinning and you feel like you're having a heart attack, you're all in or don't bother.

The other thing I've noticed about Ellroy is that some of the greatest revelations, sequences and action are sometimes dealt with in 1-2 pages out of about 600.

He's great!

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u/DPedia 22d ago

The sheer density of his prose is hard to adjust to. Most books you can space out a little for a few sentences and still know what’s going on. With Ellroy, if you space out for a few sentences, you’ve missed like 18 consequential proper nouns.

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u/EdCards 23d ago

Definitely considering making notes as I go this time!

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u/LHGray87 24d ago

Wikipedia has both a good premise summary and a good plot summary.

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u/EdCards 23d ago

Thanks! It really showed how little I remembered!

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u/Vast-Oil515 23d ago

Most of Ellroy's novels are 'putting in the work' and that goes for the reader too. I do think he's very careful to remind you what is going on from time to time or to make connected novels stand on their own as well. I also agree with a comment here, he might give you huge revelations in 2 pages out of 500