The Ax
The Ax
Book Brief
Beta352
Novel • Fiction
•
Mystery & Crime Fiction•
American LiteratureNortheastern United States • 1990s
1998
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Ax, Donald E. Westlake presents a gripping narrative where an unemployed individual, following a corporate downsizing, devises a drastic plan to secure a job by eliminating their competition. This darkly comedic thriller dives into the lengths a person might go to revive their career in a harsh economic landscape.
Dark
Suspenseful
Gritty
Unnerving
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
2,582 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Ax by Donald E. Westlake is praised for its dark humor and thrilling plot, capturing the desperation of a man facing economic ruin. Readers appreciate its commentary on corporate downsizing and moral ambiguity. Some criticisms include its slow pace and a protagonist that may not resonate with everyone. Overall, crime fiction fans find it a compelling read.
Who Should Read The Ax?
A reader who enjoys The Ax by Donald E. Westlake would be drawn to dark humor and suspenseful crime novels. Fans of American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis or Fargo by Joel and Ethan Coen would appreciate its satirical take on desperation, greed, and the lengths one will go to for survival.
2,582 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Ax was published in 1997 and is one of Donald E. Westlake's most acclaimed novels, showcasing his skill in exploring dark, satirical themes.
The novel was inspired by the corporate downsizing trend of the 1990s, highlighting the personal and ethical struggles that arise from economic hardship.
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The Ax was adapted into a French film in 2005 titled Le Couperet, directed by Costa-Gavras, which was well-received in art-house cinema circles.
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352
Novel • Fiction
•
Mystery & Crime Fiction•
American LiteratureNortheastern United States • 1990s
1998
Adult
18+ years
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