QUARRY

by Jane White ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 30, 1967

Lord of the Flies has served as a convenient comparison for a number of novels dealing with the gratuitous violence of the young even though it occurs, recurs everywhere. However hopeful the referral, there is no question that Miss White implies more than takes place on the very dramatic surface here when three boys, an ""alarming trio"" indeed, kidnap and keep captive a boy in a quarry. Their victim, younger, nameless, and cheerfully acceptant of his fate (he could escape if he wanted to; he runs away briefly but returns) obviously serves her allegorical intention rather than reality. He also serves each of the boys individually as a foil, a release--the youngest, Carter, who just plays pirate games, Randy who has an exacerbated adolescent sexual hangup, and Todd (a latent homosexual?) avoiding his mother's misplaced, seductive overtures. You read the story in the anticipation of what will and what does happen which does not diminish its impact, and it is told with efficiency and economy and a clear eye for detail.

Pub Date: Aug. 30, 1967

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harcourt, Brace & World

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1967

Categories: FICTION