The Lost Get-Back Boogie by James Lee Burke

Before gaining wide acclaim, James Lee Burke's career was revitalized by The Lost Get-Back Boogie, a novel that critics praised for its literary depth and propulsive narrative. The story follows Iry Paret, a musician and ex-con, as he attempts to leave his troubled past behind in Louisiana and start anew in Montana. There, he finds love, friendship, and a sense of purpose, but the Riordan family's problems soon entangle him in a web of tragedy and loss. /n/nThe novel explores themes of loyalty, friendship, betrayal, and the struggle to define one's life in a changing world. Burke's masterful storytelling and rich character development make this a compelling read that transcends genre boundaries, offering a profound exploration of the human condition.

Reviews

James Lee Burke's Official Website · Kirkus Reviews · 2025-11-21

compelling 4.50

The novel is praised for its virile prose and good-hearted narrative that grabs the reader's attention. It's a book that roughs you up a bit but leaves you with a satisfying experience.

Kirkus Reviews loved the book's virile prose and good-hearted narrative, which they said grabs you by the collar and roughs you up a bit before buying you a drink afterwards. The reviewer found the book to be vital and compelling, with a narrative that is both intense and heartfelt. The characters are well-developed, and the story is told with a level of authenticity that makes it feel real and immediate. The reviewer also appreciated the book's exploration of themes like redemption and the complexities of human nature, which adds depth to the story.

Quick quotes

Bulging with virile prose, this good-hearted novel grabs you by the collar, roughs you up a bit, then buys you a drink afterwards.

A vital and compelling read that transcends the typical crime genre.

The Lost Get-Back Boogie is a book that stays with you long after you've finished reading it.

Publishers Weekly · 2025-11-21

wonderful 4.00

The novel is described as wonderful, with a protagonist whose journey is both poignant and gripping. The writing is powerful and transcends the typical crime genre.

Publishers Weekly thought this novel is a standout, particularly for its portrayal of a Korean War veteran navigating life after prison. The reviewer found the protagonist's journey both poignant and gripping, highlighting the author's ability to delve deep into the human condition. The writing is powerful and transcends the typical crime genre, making it a must-read for those who appreciate literary fiction with a strong narrative drive. The reviewer also noted the book's exploration of themes like redemption and the search for meaning, which adds depth to the story.

Quick quotes

This wonderful novel about a Korean War veteran released in the '60s from a Louisiana prison farm where he served a term for manslaughter is neither roman.

The Lost Get-Back Boogie is a very atmospheric book with incredible descriptions of Louisiana in the beginning and Montana later.

Burke draws you in with his vivid prose and compelling characters.

Book Around the Corner · 2020-07-12

engaging 4.50

The book is praised for its atmospheric descriptions of Louisiana and Montana, capturing the essence of both places beautifully. The story is engaging and well-crafted, making it a compelling read.

This reviewer loved how the book paints a vivid picture of Louisiana and Montana, making the settings almost like characters themselves. The descriptions are so rich that you can almost feel the heat and humidity of Louisiana and the crisp air of Montana. The story is engaging and well-crafted, with a protagonist who is both flawed and relatable. The reviewer found the narrative compelling and the pacing just right, making it a book that's hard to put down. They also appreciated the themes of redemption and the complexities of human nature that Burke explores.

Quick quotes

The Lost Get-Back Boogie is a very atmospheric book with incredible descriptions of Louisiana in the beginning and Montana later.

Burke draws you in with his vivid prose and compelling characters.

The story is engaging and well-crafted, making it a compelling read.

Appears in Lists

9 Best James Lee Burke Books (2025)