THE SEERSUCKER WHIPSAW

by Ross Thomas ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 22, 1967

The African colony of Albertia, soon to receive its independence, has three candidates up for election as premier in this highly readable novel of political adventure. One candidate is backed by the CIA, one by a mammoth U.S. advertising agency, and one--the underdog--by a smaller public relations group operating out of London. Into this imbroglio are dragged Clint Shartelle, a dynamic, drawling whiz campaign manager, and Peter Upshaw, brilliant reporter and speechwriter, who are working for the London group but are Americans. Shartelle is a really believable engineer of homespun emotions. Whatever he does to manipulate the election is both inspired, logical and germane to the people. Always in seersucker, his main ploy is to whipsaw the campaign so that the other two candidates are canceling each other out while his own candidate gains ground. Meanwhile, Peter romances a Peace Corps blonde. Comes election day, Shartelle is winning but a military coup wipes out all the candidates....Despite some stereotypes, it is a cracking good story and the African mentality is fascinating.

Pub Date: May 22, 1967

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Morrow

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1967

Categories: FICTION