THE HOMECOMING GAME

by Howard Nemerov ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

For those who remember Federigo, Or, The Power of Love, this is an intellectually sportive diversion as the homecoming game, in a small college which has its first undefeated season in twelve years, leads also to a playoff of many other principles. Its leading player, Ray Blent, has failed the course of Professor Charles Asher and therefore been disqualified for the big game. Asher is asked to revise his decision, not only by a group of students, but also by Ray's girl, Lily, by the Coach, and finally by the President. Asher learns- in slow stages- that Ray has failed another course, that of Leon Solomon, a Jew and a very noticeable one; and from Ray himself that he had taken money to throw the game, later regretted it, and that he had deliberately failed his exams. Knowing that he is not much more than a scab- to Solomon, a compromiser to the others, Asher reverses his stand, attempts to return the money Ray has accepted, tries to talk Solomon out of his ""inexpensive martyrdom"" which leads to a student riot, falls in love with the bitter- too bright Lily, and is the solvent in a situation in which more than a game goes by default..... A sere but clever exhibition of literary virtues- perhaps at the expense of other values.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1956

Categories: FICTION