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"Hit Man" by Lawrence Block is a gritty, nuanced portrayal of Keller, a hitman who operates with the cold efficiency and precision typical of the profession but is also revealed to be a character with complexity and a longing for normalcy. The novel delves deep into the psychological and emotional dimensions of its protagonist, painting a portrait of a man caught between his chosen profession and the inner conflict that stirs as he contemplates a different life. Keller is not merely a cold-blooded killer; he is a man who seeks connection and meaning, even if he does so through the morally questionable means of assassination.
The structure of the novel is marked by its episodic nature, with Keller taking on various assignments that offer glimpses into the moral ambiguities of his profession. Each chapter focuses on a different contract, offering the reader a window into Keller’s methodical approach to his work. Through this structure, the novel also addresses the theme of detachment versus involvement, showing Keller's ability to compartmentalize his life as a killer while also exploring his moments of vulnerability. Despite his professional detachment, there are moments in which Keller reveals a desire for something more—a home, a family, a sense of belonging—creating a tension between his external persona and the desires that simmer beneath the surface.
The novel’s tone shifts between dark humor and melancholy, capturing Keller's wry observations of the world around him while also allowing moments of introspection. He is a man who does not particularly relish his work but views it as a necessary means of supporting his modest lifestyle. Block avoids glorifying Keller’s actions, instead offering a balanced view that presents the assassin as both a product of circumstance and a creature of his own making. While Keller is a skilled professional, he is also flawed and imperfect, often struggling with the dissonance between his work and his personal desires.
One of the most compelling aspects of "Hit Man" is Block’s portrayal of Keller’s evolving sense of morality. The assignments Keller accepts are varied, and while he does not often question the morality of his actions, his personal musings throughout the novel indicate a man who is beginning to reconsider the long-term implications of his career. Keller's interactions with his clients are often transactional, and there is a certain nihilism to his worldview, yet his relationships with others—such as with his occasional girlfriend, Julia—hint at his capacity for tenderness and deeper emotional connection. These connections serve to humanize Keller, reminding the reader that even those who engage in morally reprehensible actions can possess redeeming qualities.
The novel is also notable for its exploration of the mundanity of Keller's existence. He is a hitman, yet he lives a remarkably ordinary life. He frequents a local bookstore, enjoys crossword puzzles, and strives for the kind of domesticity that seems far removed from his violent profession. This contrast between the violence of his job and the normalcy he craves is a recurring theme in the book, offering insight into Keller’s internal struggle. It is as if he is caught between two worlds: the world of violence that pays his bills and the world of peace he yearns to create for himself.
Keller’s relationship with his profession is equally complicated. On one hand, he is a professional—he takes pride in his work, he is disciplined, and he has a code of ethics regarding his assignments. On the other hand, he is increasingly disillusioned with the emptiness of his work. The accumulation of violence and the emotional toll it takes begin to weigh on him. There are moments when Keller contemplates retirement, yet he remains ensnared by the very job that offers him financial security but nothing more. It is this paradox that makes Keller a tragic figure—a man who is acutely aware of his own limitations, yet unsure how to escape from the life he has chosen.
At its core, "Hit Man" is a meditation on the complexity of identity and the ways in which people reconcile their personal desires with the roles they play in society. Block creates a protagonist who is both morally compromised and deeply relatable, a man who struggles with the consequences of his actions while continuing to move forward. By the end of the novel, Keller’s journey is not one of redemption but of acceptance, as he comes to terms with the realities of his life and his inability to escape his past. Block’s ability to capture the inner turmoil of a hitman, wrapped in the guise of a crime thriller, is what makes "Hit Man" an engaging and thought-provoking read.