THE DOLPHIN IN THE WOOD

by Ralph Bates ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 27, 1949

About an English misfit named Rodge Frome who lives in the village of Wellingdon Parva. His childhood centers around nature, the Bakery, his cousin Will who is later court martialed during the war, and Ruth Bassett who later becomes immersed in politics. The adolescent love scenes between Rodge and Ruth are most original and lovely and bring to mind some very mature Hemingway. Later scenes between them as adults are horrifying in contrast. Rodge's adult life is made up of war, politics, trips to London, more Ruth Bassett, and finally the realization that he does not fit in with any of this- and Rodge makes off for Spain. Beautifully written, sincere, and subtle in dealing with human relationships and surroundings, this is distinguished in style, worn in content- particularly in contrast to his earlier Lean Men, The Olive Field. The Irish dialect here will also act as a deterrent to popularity.

Pub Date: Jan. 27, 1949

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Random House

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1949

Categories: FICTION