THE HOLY TERRORS

by Jean Cocteau ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

This grotesque of the unnatural bondage of a brother and sister brought up in the hothouse atmosphere of ""The Room"" where the boy is condemned by invalidism is considered by many to be Cocteau's masterpiece. It appeared originally in 1929, is illustrated in the characteristic, individualistic line drawings of Cocteau, and has a new, translation by Rosamond Lehmann.... From the time when Paul, who has a weak nest, is sentenced to bed after a snowball fight, he is cared for by his sister, Elisabeth, and his closest friend- Gerard- joins her in the bedside vigil. As the years pass, Gerard transfers his love from Paul to Elisabeth, and Agatha- who falls in love with Paul- joins them. Elisabeth makes a shortlived marriage, returns to the even stronger dedication to Paul which eventually, in jealousy, leads to a double tragedy.... The delirium and distortion of an isolated world of innocence and evil, possession and sacrifice makes a strange drama. It will appeal to his audience- an eclectic one- but is not a taste too easily acquired by others.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: New Directions

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1957

Categories: FICTION