They Shoot Horses, Don't They?

Isn't it amazing how some legacy publishers can elevate mediocre books, finding permanent places for them on that high shelf that's labeled "CLASSICS"? It's practically a superpower--and the rest of us just let them get away with it.

This is not a bad book. This is not a good book. This is a meh book, a right down the middle book that doesn't deserve any more attention than it's already gotten (and it's gotten plenty--enough already!).

I don't think I could spoil this book, because it spells it out from the very start; and I've heard it was made into a spectacular movie. This is an existential noir (I know, weird combination?) novella about two people looking for stardom in the great depression. In the hope of being discovered and the need for money they join a dance marathon. While Robert remains hopefully, Gloria sinks into a depression and loses all hope and eventually asked Robert to kill her. Because They Shoot Horses, Don't They?