GINGERBREAD MAN

by Ellen Ferber ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 26, 1958

An always readable and recognizable story of a man who tries-and fails- to escape the repressive regime of first his mother, then the woman he exchanges for her as his wife, this follows Porter Lacey from his childhood as the unwanted child of a some what forbidding woman. After years away at school, then college, his marriage to Margaret who shares the same conventionally acceptable background will have the approval of his parents- but blows up after an unfortunate escapade- his mother refusea to let him come home- and there is the Army for four years. Once discharged, he goes to work in his father's mill, and only the companionship of Red Parnell, a hard-drinking newspaperman and an old college friend, offers a little freedom, particularly after his marriage to Teresa which is not altogether satisfying from the start. A chance visit brings Red's sister to town- and for the first time Porter falls in love, makes his foolishly open, futile attempt to escape, and is trapped.... ""Sort of a Marquand character"" -- the victim of possessive women- and a pattern- offers a contemporary character and conflict; its assets may not be real values but they have a popular potential, certainly for women.

Pub Date: June 26, 1958

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 1958

Categories: FICTION