A short but lively little novel by the British author of "End of the Affair" and "The Tenth Man." Published in 1980 and set at the same time, the story takes place in a Geneva that seems much more 40's than 80's, with its snooty and cunning aristocrats and castles-on-the-hill vibe to it. The main character, Jones, is a simple ex-fireman who lost his hand in the London Blitz of WWII, married to the daughter of a hideous Faust-like character named Doctor Fischer. Surrounded by greedy, already rich, toadies (whom Jones's wife calls "toads"), the doctor throws parties where he humiliates each of his guests, building towards the final party that will cement his cruelty and bring to light the extent of his guests' greed. The dialogue is sharp, the satire clever, and the endgame scene is thrilling and pleasantly unexpected. I loved Greene's "The Tenth Man," didn't care at all for "The Quiet American," but liked this one, so onward to "The Power and the Glory." (Read 11/04)

RELEASE NOTES:

Donated to thrift store.