THE NIGHT OF THE BIG SNOW

A short first novel is an unemphatic but lifelike introduction to the world's have-note, the regulars of Dominick's place, a bar in a ""pariah of neighborhoods"" in lower Manhattan. Among the habitues of this common room who share the solidarity of the unsuccessful and the unwanted are Ella Mae, seventy odd, tippling off the city; Wilbur, 22, writing a novel; Happy Parker, thinking of giving up his prudent, provident life alone; Elsie, who makes her living on her back; a General who goes on monumental benders; etc., etc. A final tally is taken on Christmas eve; there is a life (Ella Mae's) to mourn; a wedding (Happy's) to be celebrated; and an incident of violence before the night or rather the morning ends at Dominick's Place... There are probably many people like this who live on memories and mirages, but few who want to meet them- even in print.