THE FLAG

by Robert Shaw ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 12, 1965

Ostensibly a comedy, this sharply observed novel deals with the effects of a religious (social) reformer on a small English town. John Calvin, an eccentric vicar in the best British tradition, brings his family to his new parish. The parish, family, local characters, et al, are described with a kind of non-sequitur, lunatic charm which is perhaps an exclusively English virtue. However the period is 1925 when Communism and Fascism are both in their innocent infancy; and Calvin, an ex-miner, can in all good faith put up a Red Flag proclaiming a Christian brotherhood of man, and can argue that Christ, too, condemned the capitalists of his days. His serious religious intent is supported by an odd collection of tramps, ""religiouses,"" rich women, an aging General, a pregnant waif and some Boy Scouts. The comic fable ends on a note of ambiguous, triumphant tragedy....Mr. Shaw's novel is very successful although it lacks the more obvious popular appeal of The Hiding Place (1960).

Pub Date: May 12, 1965

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Harcourt, Brace & World

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1965

Categories: FICTION