Dope

( 26 )

Overview

From the author of Come Closer comes the most highly acclaimed-and unusual-thriller of the year. Josephine, a former addict, is offered a thousand dollars to find a suburban couple's missing daughter. But the search will take her into the dark underbelly of New York she thought she'd escaped-and a web of deceit that threatens to destroy her.

Read More Show Less
... See more details below
Paperback (Reprint)
$12.98
BN.com price
(Save 7%)$14.00 List Price
Pick Up In Store

Pick Up In Store

Reserve and pick up in 60 minutes at your local store

Other sellers (Paperback)
  • All (38) from $1.99   
  • New (16) from $2.35   
  • Used (22) from $1.99   
Dope

Available on NOOK devices and apps  
  • Nook Devices
  • NOOK HD/HD+ Tablet
  • NOOK
  • NOOK Color
  • NOOK Tablet
  • Tablet/Phone
  • NOOK for Windows 8 Tablet
  • NOOK for iOS
  • NOOK for Android
  • NOOK Kids for iPad
  • PC/Mac
  • NOOK for Windows 8
  • NOOK Study
  • NOOK for Web

Want a NOOK? Explore Now

NOOK Book (eBook)
$11.99
BN.com price

More About This Book

Overview

From the author of Come Closer comes the most highly acclaimed-and unusual-thriller of the year. Josephine, a former addict, is offered a thousand dollars to find a suburban couple's missing daughter. But the search will take her into the dark underbelly of New York she thought she'd escaped-and a web of deceit that threatens to destroy her.

Read More Show Less

Editorial Reviews

From Barnes & Noble
The Barnes & Noble Review
Brutally realistic, unrelenting, explosive, and as utterly addictive as its title implies; Sara Gran's Dope -- a heartrending portrait of a recovering heroin junkie trying to find meaning in her life on the streets of 1950s New York City -- is one of those of those exceedingly rare literary gems that offer the reader complete immersion into another reality, in this case the seedy, drug-infested underbelly of NYC complete with hustlers, junkies, and hookers.

Josephine Flannigan's nightmarish existence finally has a glimmer of hope. After a poverty-stricken childhood in Hell's Kitchen (where, because of her drug-addicted mother's neglect, she had to practically raise her little sister herself) and decades of doing hard-core drugs and committing petty crimes, Josephine has been clean for almost two years -- and when she is approached by a wealthy couple from Westchester to help find their heroin-addicted daughter for $1,000 in cash, she immediately agrees. Josephine's search for the wayward socialite and her pimp boyfriend, however, leads her right back to people and places she never wanted to revisit -- for good reason…

Equal parts Stephen Crane's Maggie: A Girl of the Streets and Irvine Welsh's Trainspotting, this dark and disturbing noir mystery will have readers in a state of emotional turmoil until the very last page, where, in the novel's brilliantly understated final sentence, the author's message is conveyed with all the force of a sledgehammer blow between the eyes. Like the scarred-over track marks on a recovering heroin addict's skin, Gran's Dope will stay with readers long after they've finished this haunting and powerfully moving novel. Paul Goat Allen
Bruce DeSilva
"An astonishing novel, one that deserves a place of honor next to Hammett, Thompson and Chandler...one of the meanest, grittiest hard-boiled crime stories of ever written - and the first great noir novel from the mind of a woman."
—Associated Press
Marilyn Stasio
"Gran treats us to a grim but oddly elegiac tour of the good-old, bad-old days."
—New York Times Book Review
Publishers Weekly
After her well-received horror tale Come Closer, you can't blame Gran for trying her hand at a 1950s noir, but her turns on stripped-down conventions are less sharp this time out. Gran's heroine, Josephine "Joe" Flannigan, is a former heroin addict and hooker who has recast herself as a petty thief and con. Working her home turf, New York City's Hell's Kitchen, she is taken up by a mysterious well-to-do couple offering her $1,000 up front and another $1,000 on delivery to find their addict daughter, expelled from Barnard and lost to the streets. The reader never actually sees Joe do any thieving or conning, because she's got that $1,000 to ride on. Instead, Joe's search for the missing coed takes her on a clich -ridden tour of the bare apartments and public parks frequented by the junkies who used to be her friends. (And it's the '50s, so teenagers listen to 45s, and black Chevrolets are still cool.) Joe's troubled relationship with little sister Shelley is a very engaging conflict, but Gran doesn't bring them together often enough. It never occurs to Joe that she may be being conned herself, and her hooker-with-a-heart-of-gold routine wears thin, but she's easy to root for. (Feb.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
Gran's third novel, as original and compelling as her first two (Saturn's Return to New York, 2001, etc.), is of an ex-junkie grifter, now hired to find a missing college girl in 1950 Manhattan. Josephine Flannigan is lucky to have made it to her 30s. Raised rough in Hell's Kitchen, she never expected much from life. She has scraped by, pulling small cons, shoplifting, whoring when times were particularly bad-just about anything to get enough for her next fix. Clean for the past two years, Joe cashes in the occasional ring from Tiffany to pay for her furnished room and lunch at the automat. Now a $2,000 proposition comes along-a wealthy Westchester couple is looking for their daughter, a former Barnard student, now a junkie-and who better than Joe to search every shooting gallery and dance hall likely to house a pretty young girl. They give Joe a picture of their Nadine standing with a mystery man (who turns out to be Jerry McFall, a dealer and pimp), and Joe is on the case, an unlikely though effective gumshoe. Joe begins to gather leads, touring New York's sleaziest spots, reconnecting with old friends, lifelong junkies and hustlers. She also bumps into her kid sister, Shelley, now a rising TV star. Shelley's cleaned herself up and put the past behind her, including Joe, who admits she did a lousy job as surrogate mother, putting too much junk into her arm and not enough food on Shelley's dinner plate. Her leads pay off, but no sooner does Joe find McFall than he's murdered, and the cops haul Joe in as their #1 suspect, and for good reason. Joe's been framed, the victim of a dangerous con (the Westchester couple were actors) to find McFall, and now Joe needs to uncover who set her upbefore the police book her for murder. A gripping mystery, but Gran's real success is in recreating 1950s New York-the petty cons, the taxi dancers, the dank hotel rooms-a mosaic of everything sad and ugly about addiction. Burroughs meets Hammett in this gritty, at times tragic, noir.
Read More Show Less

Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9780425214367
  • Publisher: Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
  • Publication date: 2/6/2007
  • Edition description: Reprint
  • Pages: 256
  • Sales rank: 140,949
  • Product dimensions: 4.90 (w) x 7.00 (h) x 0.80 (d)

Meet the Author

Sara Gran grew up in Brooklyn and graduated from Tufts University with a B.A. in cultural anthropology in 1993. Her first novel, Saturn’s Return to New York, was published in 2001, and is being currently being developed into a film by Domenica Cameron-Scorcese. Her second novel, Come Closer, was published in 2003 to overwhelming critical favor. Praised by Bret Easton Ellis as “one of the most precise and graceful pieces of fiction I’ve read in a long time,” it has since been published in eight other countries and has been optioned by The Weinstein Company/ Dimension Films.

Her short stories have appeared in Atlantic Unbound the online home of the Atlantic Monthly, Small Spiral Notebook, Haypenny, and the Land-Grant College Review.

Before making a living as a writer, Ms. Gran worked as a bookseller in New York City. In 2004, she moved to New Orleans; her building, constructed in the 1800s, was among the few not damaged or flooded by Hurricane Katrina. She is currently at work on her fourth novel, set in New Orleans.

Read More Show Less

Interviews & Essays

Ransom Notes Interview with Sara GranPaul Goat Allen: Sara, first off, congratulations on a breathtaking novel. I was absolutely blown away by the story's overwhelming sense of realism. As a 30-something author, what was the inspiration behind writing a novel set in the 1950s that revolved around a recovering heroin addict? Sara Gran: Thank you! I had long wanted to write a book that took place in the same world as the great noir books and movies of that era, but more specifically a world that was inhabited by real people, complicated and strange as they are. Once I began, and the character was there, everything followed from that. It wasn't a conscious decision to write about, say, heroin -- the addiction aspect of it was a natural extension of the character's personality. The same with the setting, the place, and the time. PGA: What kind of research goes into writing a novel like this? SG: I read old dictionaries of slang, old and new books about cons and con artists, and of course a lot of books about drugs and a lot of mystery novels. I bought dozens of pulp paperbacks on eBay. I read everything I could find about heroin use in that era, which wasn't much. It wasn't well publicized then, although it certainly existed. Fortunately, The New York Times had reported on the influx of heroin in 1950, so a few short articles from the Times were a major source. Some things I was never able to uncover to my satisfaction, and I just had to guess at. This isn't a well-documented area of history. PGA: Josephine Flannigan is such a complex, tragic figure. Is she based on or inspired by any literary characters that you've come across in your reading? SG: No, not really. She was one of those characters that just comes to you fully developed. I just started writing one day, and there the character was. PGA: Can you talk a little bit about the novel's conclusion? I've always loved books that leave readers reeling, either from surprise or shock or both. The conclusion of Dope was just brilliant -- honestly, one of the most memorable endings I've ever come across. Did you have this exact conclusion in mind as you were writing Dope? SG: To answer your question: yes and no. One thing that was hard about writing a mystery for me was getting all my facts in order. I can't stand it when I read a mystery and some little aspect of the mystery, some clue or issue of timing, doesn't work out. Getting all the little facts perfectly in order was a hard and sometimes boring job -- so although I had the idea for the ending in place from the very start, the exact circumstances of it had to be changed again and again as more loose ends generated themselves and had to be tied up. PGA: Booksellers and book reviewers often describe novels by comparing them to other works and/or authors, sometimes with highly unusual amalgams -- he's a blend of Raymond Chandler and Bram Stoker, she's equal parts Stephen King and Sue Grafton, etc. If you had to describe Dope this way, what novels and/or authors would you use? I've heard it called a blend of Patricia Highsmith and William S. Burroughs… SG: Well, gee, that's a tough one to beat, and I'll gladly take it. Someone -- I think my publisher -- said Chandler and Burroughs, which is equally flattering. You know, it's fun to come up with these things: Muriel Spark meets Rex Stout. The love child of Christiane F. and Dragnet. The unholy bastard offspring of Chinatown and Sunset Boulevard. I could go on forever, although I'm not sure how relevant any of these are. PGA: Those were great -- and all fitting. Thanks again, Sara, for taking the time to answer these questions for Barnes & Noble.com -- and, again, congratulations on an amazing novel. I loved it! SG: Thank you, Paul! If anyone else likes it half as much, I'll be happy.
Read More Show Less

Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4
( 26 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(8)

4 Star

(8)

3 Star

(8)

2 Star

(2)

1 Star

(0)

Your Rating:

Review Guidelines
Add Recommendations
Your Name: Create a Pen Name or

Barnes & Noble.com Review Rules

Our reader reviews allow you to share your comments on titles you liked, or didn't, with others. By submitting an online review, you are representing to Barnes & Noble.com that all information contained in your review is original and accurate in all respects, and that the submission of such content by you and the posting of such content by Barnes & Noble.com does not and will not violate the rights of any third party. Please follow the rules below to help ensure that your review can be posted.

Reviews by Our Customers Under the Age of 13

We highly value and respect everyone's opinion concerning the titles we offer. However, we cannot allow persons under the age of 13 to have accounts at BN.com or to post customer reviews. Please see our Terms of Use for more details.

What to exclude from your review:

Please do not write about reviews, commentary, or information posted on the product page. If you see any errors in the information on the product page, please send us an email.

Reviews should not contain any of the following:

  • - HTML tags, profanity, obscenities, vulgarities, or comments that defame anyone
  • - Time-sensitive information such as tour dates, signings, lectures, etc.
  • - Single-word reviews. Other people will read your review to discover why you liked or didn't like the title. Be descriptive.
  • - Comments focusing on the author or that may ruin the ending for others
  • - Phone numbers, addresses, URLs
  • - Pricing and availability information or alternative ordering information
  • - Advertisements or commercial solicitation

Reminder:

  • - By submitting a review, you grant to Barnes & Noble.com and its sublicensees the royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable right and license to use the review in accordance with the Barnes & Noble.com Terms of Use.
  • - Barnes & Noble.com reserves the right not to post any review -- particularly those that do not follow the terms and conditions of these Rules. Barnes & Noble.com also reserves the right to remove any review at any time without notice.
  • - See Terms of Use for other conditions and disclaimers.
Search for Products You'd Like to Recommend

Recommend other products that relate to your review. Just search for them below and share!

Create a Pen Name

Your Pen Name is your unique identity on BN.com. It will appear on the reviews you write and other website activities. Your Pen Name cannot be edited, changed or deleted once submitted.

 
Your Pen Name can be any combination of alphanumeric characters (plus - and _), and must be at least two characters long.

Continue Anonymously
See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 26 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted April 22, 2013

    It was

    Pretty good an ironic twist nice setup should get .ade into a movie if did *****

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted August 1, 2012

    Easy, Quick Read

    This book kept me interested, but I never felt immersed in NYC or the time period that it took place. It's a good quick read.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted July 27, 2012

    Wonderful book

    I was so impressed with the writing of this. James M. Cain brought back to life in female form. Slick, tight, smart,tough. Highly recommended.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted March 18, 2009

    An Ironic Drug

    Drugs, Sex, and Murder contributes to this great story. Great descriptive imagery and top notch storyline. A superb mystery and also a must read. Two thumbs up. A great representation of irony. An ex-drug addict gets hired to search for a young college girl but an ironic twist turns the story into a must read. I believe it is a great book that every age level will enjoy. As you read you will enjoy each scene, each character's point of view as if it were a five star movie.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted February 16, 2009

    holds your attention

    A quick read that held my attention. I like this retro type of book. I don't think it is giving away the ending to say it was not what I expected and not what I would have written. I guess a surprise ending is not a bad thing in most cases. Otherwise the characters were believable and interesting.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted September 21, 2008

    Really good!

    Loved this book, definitely a must read!!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted September 18, 2008

    Jaw Dropping

    Best book I've read in a while. This Novel is one i recommend if you like shockingly twisted stories.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted August 12, 2008

    You won't put this one down

    I thoroughly enjoyed this one.This story captured me from page 1. This story is real and alive. I loved the ending- what an unsuspected turn of events.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted July 29, 2008

    READER

    OMG, a great page turner. Read in a couple of days. Total shock at teh end. Just AMAZING!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted July 14, 2008

    Great Book!

    This was a great read - the story has some great twists - I read it in just a couple of days!!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted August 7, 2008

    Im not too sure about this one...

    This is a nice book...if you're on a road trip or taking a transatlantic flight. Despite the raving reviews,it didn't seem a 'page-turner' to me. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed the book but I was 75% through the book when the first 'totally shocking' twist happened. If you can get it for three bucks like I did, go for it:)

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted November 15, 2006

    Genre-crossing coup

    This is an amazing book. I couldn't put it down. I loved the world, the voice of the protagonist, the story. Sara Gran manages to make several genres (including noir) her own. Enjoy this trip into the past, to the dark side, with all its twists and its brilliant ending.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted March 9, 2006

    Grit So Real You Can Taste It

    DOPE is a book that I highly recommend. It deals with the dirty life of an ex-junkie, ex-hooker trying to turn her life in the right way. But when you're starting from being a junkie and hooker, even being a thief or con artist is a step up towards redemption. Not since MY FRACTURED LIFE and REQUIEM FOR A DREAM have I experienced this level of emotional connection to true gritty life of addiction. While My Fractured LIfe and Requiem For A Dram are set modern, Dope sets its world in 1950s with a hint of film noir style. It doesn't detract at all. Highly recommended.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted December 9, 2008

    more from this reviewer

    gritty look at the underside of 1950 Manhattan

    In 1950 in Manhattan, Josephine Flannigan has stayed off the drugs for about two years while working at Tiffany¿s where she pilfers jewelry to sell, supplementing her income. She meets Nathaniel and Maybelline Wilson of Westchester County in the law offices of Jackson, Smith & Alexander. Nathaniel tells her that Nick ¿the Greek¿ suggested she could help them find their nineteen years old daughter Nadine, a Bernard drop-out hooked on drugs, who vanished three months ago in the city with a boyfriend Jerry McFall. They provide her with a retainer of $1000 and another $1000 if successful. --- Though she has never done anything like this and has no idea which Nick the Greek recommended her as that is a common street name, she accepts the case. Joe begins searching the mean streets of hell¿s Kitchens seeking out the pimps on the assumption that would be the only way Nadine could pay for her habit as he knows form first hand experience. However, danger lurks on every corner and with every stranger as well as the threat of returning to the environs where she first embraced drugs. --- Set just after World War II, DOPE is a gritty look at the underside of Manhattan where the drop-outs from the Blackboard Jungle die easily with no one to grieve them. The story line pulls no punches with its in your guts glimpse of the mean streets where drugs and prostitution are king and queen while the euphoria of victory in Europe and the Pacific is someone else¿s celebration. Joe is a fabulous heroine who knows the peril that walks everywhere she goes in search of the Westchester runaway as pimps and sellers do not want anyone interfering with their assets. --- Harriet Klausner

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted April 14, 2013

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted May 16, 2009

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 27, 2008

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted November 28, 2010

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted July 25, 2010

    No text was provided for this review.

  • Anonymous

    Posted May 17, 2013

    No text was provided for this review.

See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 26 Customer Reviews
If you find inappropriate content, please report it to Barnes & Noble
Why is this product inappropriate?
Comments (optional)