BY STARLIGHT

by Thomas Sancton ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 7, 1960

The first half of this novel is full of the brooding beauty of bayous at night, and of the pure, keen joy of being young and busy in simple physical acts such as fishing, building campfires, swimming. The boy to whom this happens is Brad Poliatoffsky, a waif from across the tracks and the son of Count Rollerskates (1956), who finds escape in a camp in the deep South. He comes to camp early to open things up and renew acquaintance with Connie, daughter of the rich Retlands. Connie, her sister and their mother live an enchanted life, enclosed in private languages, jokes and sorrows. But it dissolves- when Brad accidentally begins an affair with Connie's mother, Barbara, tormented, talented and alcoholic, and her husband tries to shoot Brad. Slowly and oddly the story disintegrates into melodrama ending as Brad is injured, dare-diving, and Barbara finds his long lost father and brings him to Brad's hospital bedside. Still and all, the book should be read for its breathtaking first half.

Pub Date: Oct. 7, 1960

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1960

Categories: FICTION