Pop. 1280 (1964)

by Jim Thompson

Nick Corey is the sheriff of Potts County, a small rural Southern region in the early part of the 20th century. 

Jim Thompson

Author Jim Thompson reveals him to us slowly. 

At first, he seems like a slow-witted, ineffectual clown with a humorous way of expressing himself. 

At this point, he had my sympathy as an underdog. 

Then he seems to become rather impulsive, reckless, and careless, and I began to have my doubts about him.

 

Before long, we find that we are following the story of a sociopath who is a master of manipulation. 

He confronts a series of challenges and masters them with creative solutions unburdened by any sense of scruples. 

"Big Fist of God" (Turkish)

He is shockingly violent, outrageously slanderous…and often laugh-out-loud funny in a very dark way. 

"1275 Souls" (French)

Writing at a time when the news was filled with examples of Southern inhospitality toward those fighting for social justice and racial equality, Thompson presents us with a sheriff who believes that job one is to protect the status quo and his own privileged position. 

"1280 Souls" (Spanish)

The character of a public figure who operates on pure bullshit and zero shame is as timely as ever. 

"1280 Inhabitants" (Bulgarian)

The end is a bit weak, but overall this is a fantastic novel.

"Twelve Hundred and Eighty Black Souls" (German)

"Sponge Blow" (Italian)

"Arta Betrays Her" (Romanian)

"Pottsville 1280" (Finnish)

"1,280 Souls" (Catalan)

"Inhabitants 1280" (Greek)