Norman mailer tough guys don't dance

A classic!

"Tough Guys Don't Dance" is a novel by Norman Mailer, published in 1984. The book is a crime fiction story that explores themes of violence, masculinity, and the darker aspects of human nature.

The novel follows the story of Tim Holland, a former journalist and Vietnam War veteran who is struggling to come to terms with his past. Tim is accused of murdering his wife, and as the investigation unfolds, he becomes embroiled in a complex web of deceit, corruption, and violence.

Throughout the book, Mailer explores the idea of what it means to be a "tough guy" in a world that is increasingly morally ambiguous. The title "Tough Guys Don't Dance" is a reference to the notion that true masculinity is not about being sensitive or emotional, but about being tough, stoic, and unyielding in the face of adversity.

Mailer's writing style in the book is characteristic of his literary fiction, blending elements of noir fiction, crime fiction, and philosophical inquiry. The novel has been praised for its vivid prose, complex characters, and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.

"Tough Guys Don't Dance" has been adapted into a film directed by Norman Mailer himself, starring Ryan O'Neal and Isabella Rossellini. The book has also been widely praised by critics and readers alike, cementing Mailer's reputation as one of the most important and influential American writers of the 20th century.