About this title: This powerful short novel describes the events of a single afternoon. Alwyn Towers, an American expatriate and sometime novelist, is staying with a friend outside of Paris, when a well-heeled, itinerant Irish couple drops in--with Lucy, their trained hawk, a restless, sullen, disturbingly totemic presence. Lunch is prepared, drink flows. A ...
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Description: Good. 0940322560 This book is in Good Used Condition. The Book shows some signs of wear. There is a Musty Odor to this book. There may be some markings inside the book. 100% Money Back Guarantee! ! ! read more
Description: Good. Ex-Library book-will contain library markings. Book has appearance of light use with no easily noticeable wear. Millions of satisfied customers and climbing. Thriftbooks is the name you can trust, guaranteed. Spend Less. Read More. read more
Description: Good. Publishers Overstock. A Good copy with a Remainder Mark and wear to the covers and the extremities. Buy with confidence from an Independent Bookstore where the owners, a husband and wife team, have over 30 years of combined bookselling experience. read more
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: NYRB Classics
Date Published: 2001
ISBN-13:9780940322561ISBN:0940322560
Description: New. Brand New! Buy with confidence-your satisfaction is guaranteed at B-Logistics! Due to the large scale of our operation, we do not have access to the specific contents/condition of our items. Please note that Expedited shipping is not available at this time. read more
Binding: Softcover
Publisher: New York Review of Books
Date Published: 2001-01-01
ISBN-13:9780940322561ISBN:0940322560
Description: NEW. Softcover. From an inventory that is 100% brand-new, 100% direct from the publishers' distribution channel. We carry NO pre-owned, NO remaindered. We pack in CARDBOARD to ensure the pristine quality is maintained. (Bubble-wrap alone is NOT sufficient to protect from USPS equipment. ) Guaranteed brand-NEW, protected with CARDBOARD, your satisfaction is guaranteed. BKLUVID: 9780940322561. read more
Edition: Reprint
Binding: Hardcover
Publisher: Harper & Row Publishers, NY
Date Published: 1966
Description: Good in Very Good jacket. DJ is clean and bright. Book is Ex-library with card pocket pasted to ffep, stamp on half title page and title page. Tape marks. read more
Edition: [First Impression/ undated issue]
Binding: hardcover
Publisher: Harper & Bros. Pub, New York
Date Published: [nd]
Description: Near fine(-) copy in good(+) dust jacket; slight lean w/ indiscernible exposure-tone to front bottom near spine; dj chipped along top edge & spine ends, w/ a closed tear front and back; minor creases to rear bottom; spine badly faded & spotted, corners... 8vo 8 3/4"x 5" wine-red cloth w/ white lettering on spine; uneven trim to fore edge; light-grey endpapers; verso of title page [copyright page] is blank, followed by blank leaf; 127 pgs; red-orange dust jacket w/ $1.50 on front flap, author's ... read more
Binding: Hardcover
Publisher: Harper & Brothers
Date Published: 1940
Description: Good. First Edition. Ex-Library, Tanning. Binding is tight and the cover is in good condition. Some books may be ex-library books. read more
Edition: First Edition (stated)
Binding: Hardcover
Publisher: Harper & Brothers, New York
Date Published: 1940
Description: Covers lightly soiled, close to fine in good to very good price clipped dust wrapper, sunned at spine and lightly chipped at ends, 1½" tear to bottom of front panel--internally mended; plus a few small tears, also mended on verso. VIEW IMAGE. read more
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: NEW YORK REVIEW OF BOOKS
Date Published: 2001
ISBN-13:9780940322561ISBN:0940322560
Description: New. This powerful short novel describes the events of a single afternoon. Alwyn Towers, an American expatriate and sometime novelist, is staying with a friend outside of Paris, when a well-heeled, itinerant Irish couple drops in--with Lucy, their trained... read more
"This is an entertaining novella to read in one sitting. The action takes place in a single afternoon of cocktails, artful mannerisms and controlled, almost blasé, hostility. And in one location: a parlor, of course. So it feels more like a play. It also feels more European in tone, but written by an American. And the setting, also European, mirrors the pampered cocoon lifestyle of the leisure class - a la The Great Gatsby.
The action is observed through the hindsight perspective of a (gay) cynical, detached, yet ultimately compassionate narrator. Regarding his insights into the motivations of the active participants, his empathy and cruelty mix and evolve. Often from one moment to the next. Surprising even himself. They're also unexpectedly humorous at turns to boot. The narrator himself remains essential a passive spectator, deliciously sitting back and watching the increasingly sloppy drama of the more lively characters reveal itself.
It's a concise story illuminating the sacrifice of passions for the safety and stability of marriage. And the maturity of acknowledging and accepting the flaws in our spouses and ourselves. Wescott's writing style is wonderful: Clever phrasing. Disciplined yet droll. Perceptive and humane - but like the era, restrained and superficially polite. You can tell every word has been assiduously considered and chosen. A small overlooked gem."
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