THE NINTH WAVE

by Eugene Burdick ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 1, 1956

First a fellowship award and now word that this is to be a mid-summer book of the month selection -- provides a combination sure to make the reader approach this first novel with more than ordinary interest. It is an arresting and a disturbing bk, set in California, a story of a strange friendship and of a youth who carved a unique destiny for himself out of a devouring desire to know what made things tick. Neither Mike nor Hank claimed a background that gave them a fair start. Both boys were driven by an urge to get ahead. Mike was willing to use the tools at hand,- his physical attraction for women, his skill in manipulating people so they played the game his way, a ruthless indifference to anything but his own ends. Hank, who wanted to be a surgeon, had certain codes and standards, but sometimes allowed himself to be manipulated by Mike. But ten years later when Mike- a ""big shot"" in law and politics- abused his powers to create fear as a motive force, built up a phony with the gift of gab into a candidate that might have become his dummy in power, used the one woman Hank desired- Hank took hold. The Ninth Wave became an instrument at hand, and Mike's death was the answer to a future Hank refused to accept as dictated. Unpalatable, often unconvincing, this yet has terrific impact.

Pub Date: June 1, 1956

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Houghton, Mifflin

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 1956

Categories: FICTION