GIRLS AT PLAY

by Paul Theroux ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 18, 1969

A quite dreadful but brilliant little tale by the uniquely talented author of Waldo (1967) and Fong and the Indians (1968). This time Theroux's strong impulse toward satiric hilarity, plus his merciless view of human pretensions in an ""emerging"" primitive society -- so masterfully balanced in Fong -- tilt abruptly toward violence and horror, with intervals of devilish humor. Blowsy, tough Heather Monk-house, former London clerk and veteran of a string of inconsequential affairs, wanders to Africa, briefly submerges in Nairobi pleasures, and is booted out by scandal to teach at a remote girls' school. The headmistress is dotty old Miss Poole, keeper of cats, hater of Africans. Among the withering women, young B. J., an American Peace Corps sprout, bloom's like a Kansas corn field. Although B. J. is beginning to dig the reality of Africa (Africa is a rotting banana peel) she is raped by an agreeable African and in a daze commits suicide. Among the consequences -- Miss Poole (who tried some blackmail) is hauled away unceremoniously; Heather is set up as headmistress only to be murdered by Miss Poole's acolyte. One hates to see the three originals -- poor Poole, Hopalong Heather and dear, dewey B.J. -- expire, but in the heat of Theroux's hostile landscape, their eradication is no surprise. Glittering savagery, exquisitely mounted.

Pub Date: Sept. 18, 1969

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1969

Categories: FICTION