THE HEIRS

by G. Y. Dryansky ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 31, 1978

A Rothschild-esque romance, without real pull despite all the requisite ingredients of a thick, juicy, rainy-day read: money, power, glamor, and an intricate genealogy that spans several centuries. Baron Marc de Wolfflen's illustrious Jewish ancestor, Isaiah, began the French dynasty long ago, but now it is 1945, and young Marc must struggle against stubborn papa Charles and assorted relatives to re-establish the war-torn Wolfflen empire. However, Dryansky (Other People) is really far more interested in socialites than shareholders, so elegant Marc's boudoir/ballroom life soon takes prominence. He ditches his proper Parisian spouse Emma for the tempestuous (and ultimately promiscuous) Therese de Cunha, and then, years later, dumps her for a May/December match with actress Cynthia--former doxy of Marc's wimpy son Gilbert. And, despite the Rothschild-ish subplots involving the interaction of politics and money, Dryansky's strength remains his suave navigations in and around the minutiae of genuine, French chic. Of a dancing party at New Jimmy's: ""Their movements suggested histories, who they were to the world between the lines of their mention in Who's Who or the Bottin Mondain."" Far from compelling--but rich-people-watchers will have a far less lurid, more authentic view through Dryansky's microscope than through the usual set of pulp binoculars.

Pub Date: Oct. 31, 1978

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Putnam

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1978

Categories: FICTION