THUNDERBOLT HOUSE

by Howard Pease ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 7, 1944

Pease has chosen an odd situation as the theme for this new story. Personally, I found it distasteful, and I think many people will agree with me. The Allens, from living simply in Stockton, are thrust into unexpected wealth when an uncle dies in San Francisco, and leaves Mrs. Allen a mansion and various scattered bank balances. The eldest son, Steve, skids down into drunkenness and profligacy and petty thievery; the mother and daughter become very ""social"" and money conscious; even the father gets involved in borrowing and club life and accepting the artificiality. Only the younger son resents what is happening, and keeps his balanced point of view. There is a mystery surrounding a book from which pages have been cut; the boy runs down a complete copy and forces the revelation of the skeleton in the family cupboard. Eventually, the earthquake and fire wipe out the San Francisco home and riches, and they turn back to Stockton and the simple life.

Pub Date: April 7, 1944

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday, Doran

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1944

Categories: FICTION