Found in the Street

Reading this book demands a struggle of conscience before opening its cover, given Highsmith's unsettling history of vehement antisemitism (it's public knowledge, this isn't an accusation. Google it). However, once past this hurdle, the book reveals itself as a work of austere yet profound observation. Highsmith's narration, though restricted, provides a deep dive into the taste and texture of life in Manhattan, a city beautifully captured in its many layers. She brings the city to life, from the thrill of discovering an overlooked Greek take-out restaurant to the feel of jogging through its empty, early-morning streets. It's a work that, despite the author's shortcomings, manages to encapsulate a place and a feeling with a rare intensity.