THE ESCAPE ARTIST

by David Wagoner ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 10, 1965

Meet Danny Masters, a pint-sized Houdini, sixteen, when he first comes to town from the sticks where he'd learned every trick in his father's bag--he can pick a lock or peel off a straitjacket. He has many dreams of glory, or as he says, Destiny or Doom, and is ready to take the town. This he doesn't quite manage to do in the three days here which form a continuity of quick changes and sudden surprises, swivelling from trouble to more trouble. ""In and out. That's like off and on, only sideways"" Danny makes a wallet disappear; it belongs to the Mayor's son, just as crooked as his father, and is full of hot money. He goes to see his uncle who has a mind-reading act and who tries to discourage him; ""all magicians are kids"" and you're a ""chronological punk but don't mistake it for life."" He gets interviews; fails to get a night club act; makes a deal with the mayor's son and busts open the mayor's safe; and is finally forced to find sanctuary in a mailbox.... Wagoner (Rock; Money, Money, Money; etc.) is also something of an illusionist and tells the story of his obstreperous genie with nerve and verve. There is every indication from the publisher that they hope it will levitate to a wide audience although it is more apt to be the kind of book which will be liked a lot or not at all.

Pub Date: May 10, 1965

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Farrar, Straus & Giroux

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1965

Categories: FICTION