LIKE THE PHOENIX

Justified,possibly, because of its use of a novel ""frame"" and method, though last season's Summertime Ends employed somewhat the same flashback-and-forth method, less a few punctuation marks and capitals. In substance, this suggests the Aldous Huxley school, with its cross sectioning of society, from high to low, with its escape from clinching the story each time a ""plot"" sequence escapes the watchful eye of the novelist-adventurer. Result -- the poor reader is left high and dry, wondering what it is all about. Those seeking something new for the jaded palate may seize upon this. Can't see a general sale -- or the prophesied ""sensation"". Classify definitely as a stunt book.