Jim Thompson "Now And On Earth" (1942) ***1/2

Jim Thompson's first novel is a strong semi-autobiographical debut, devoid of his later signature hard-boiled crime style but very engaging nonetheless. Now And On Earth (1942) follows the life of the main character and he struggles to break free from working in an airplane manufacturing plant to do what he really wants to do full-time - write, all while trying to cope with his demanding family at home.