A Kiss Before Dying PDF, by renowned novelist Ira Levin, is a psychological thriller first published in 1953. The novel follows the story of Bud Corliss and his attempts to cover up a murder he committed to marrying into wealth.
The book has been well-received critically, with many describing it as an engrossing and suspenseful read. It has sold millions of copies worldwide and has been translated into numerous languages. The novel was adapted for a film in 1991, starring Matt Dillon, Sean Young, and Max von Sydow.
Themes explored in the book include ambition, deception, crime, and justice. Levin’s writing is often praised for its clever plot twists and an engrossing atmosphere. A Kiss Before Dying has been published by numerous publishers, including Avon Books (1953), Pocket Books (1963), Dell Publishing Co. (1973) and Vintage International (2001). It is currently available as a paperback book and audio CD, as well as an ebook for various digital devices.
Table of Contents
A Kiss Before Dying Summary
The book starts off with a prologue set in the year 1956. The narrator named Johnny is determined to get rid of his pregnant girlfriend, Dorothy Kingship, so he can marry her rich twin sister, Ellen. To do this, he stages an accident for Dorothy by pushing her off the top floor of a tall building and makes it look like she committed suicide.
The story then jumps to the year 1954, where readers are introduced to Dorothy and her father, Michael Kingship. Michael has made a fortune in copper mining, and his two daughters were born into privilege. While Ellen is content with their lavish lifestyle and playing out her society debutante role, Dorothy is not interested in such pursuits. She rebels against her father’s controlling nature by dating men and attending parties without his permission.
One night, Dorothy meets a young man named Bud Corliss at a party. Despite her father’s disapproval, she begins to fall in love with him. When Dorothy learns that Bud is engaged to another woman, she decides to run away and marry him instead.
Details of A Kiss Before Dying Book
| Book | A Kiss Before Dying |
| Author | Ira Levin |
| Original language | English |
| Originally published | June 1953 |
| Category | Thriller, Mystery |
| Publisher | Simon & Schuster |
| Total Pages | 244 |
| Format | PDF, ePub |
Multiple Languages Editions of A Kiss Before Dying Book
A Kiss Before Dying book has been published in numerous languages over the years. The first edition of A Kiss Before Dying was published in 1953, and it has been translated into multiple languages since then. These editions include German, Italian, Spanish, and more.
| Book Editions | Check Now |
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| English | Check Price |
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| Japanese | Check Price |
About the Author
Ira Levin was an American playwright, screenwriter and novelist. He is best known for his suspense thrillers such as “Rosemary’s Baby” and “The Stepford Wives.”
Born in the Bronx, New York City, Levin studied at the University of Pennsylvania before pursuing a career in writing. His first successful novel was A Kiss Before Dying, which was published in 1953.
Levin’s novels are typically fast-paced, page-turning thrillers that explore the psychological aspects of complex situations and relationships. They often deal with social issues such as gender roles, death and murder, and themes of morality. Many of his works have been adapted for film or television, including “Rosemary’s Baby”, “The Boys from Brazil”, and “Sliver.”
Levin was a prolific writer, producing over 20 novels and many plays during his career. He died in 2007 at the age of 78. Despite his considerable success, Levin never won a major literary award. However, he is widely recognized as one of the most important and influential suspense writers of the 20th century.
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FAQs(Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the book A Kiss Before Dying about?
It is about a young man named Bud Corliss, who is engaged to his college sweetheart Dorothy Mills.
How long does it take to read A Kiss Before Dying book?
The book is a relatively short read, clocking in at around 300 pages. Many readers are able to finish it in a single sitting.
What does A Kiss Before Dying teach?
A Kiss Before Dying teaches many important lessons about the dangers of pursuing wealth and power at all costs.
What are the main themes of A Kiss Before Dying book?
Some of the main themes in A Kiss Before Dying include money, power, and love.
What is the reading level of A Kiss Before Dying book?
A Kiss Before Dying is considered to be a fairly easy read with a reading level of around 8th grade, making it an ideal choice for both adult and young adult readers.
