BERNARD CLARE

by James T. Farrell ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 11, 1946

The Farrell ingredients -- Chicago Irish, in the late '20's, Catholicism, egocentricity. Sex- in terms of the underlying implications of social and ethical significance. This might be defined as a minor Studs Lonigan, with the same socio-journalistic approach, but without the powerful compulsion of revealing internal conflicts. Bernard Clare is seeking literary fame in New York. He flaunts convention, fights hypocrisy to the point of being obnoxious, lives in a dirty room in the Village. He finally gives up the gesture of literary aspirations and succumbs to the bourgeois need of supporting himself, and becomes a crack salesman and acquires another man's wife as mistress. The romance comes to a vulgar and when the two are found together by the husband -- and Bernard returns to Chicago, an experienced and mature man. Again a typical Farrell here- a boy fighting his environment, but unable to erase its influence. For the -Published farrell market.

Pub Date: April 11, 1946

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Vanguard

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1946

Categories: FICTION