THE BRADLEY BEACH RUMBA

by David A. Kaufelt ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 1, 1974

A nice (a kindness-killing word?) novel about a bubelehood -- the time is 1947 -- in Bradley Beach, New Jersey -- one of those first to second generation Jewish summer resorts which you'll recognize anywhere, be it only the pinochle or the Pokerino, the jelly apple or the brisket. If you want to work up the distant relationship, sort of a Summer of '42 once removed (from the Grand Concourse) although the romance is a far lesser feature than the kibbitzing by the yentas or the Alta Cockers of the younger generation. In this case Nick, who's only ten, is also a very interested witness of his beautiful older sister Lois' first experience -- not with Lenny to whom she's lavaliered (engaged to be engaged) but with Max, the rich, handsome Yoccabbibbie who moves next door. Yoccabbibbies are Syrian Jews -- very alien and not to be trusted . . . . A little humor here and there, but not as bright as Kaufelt's Six Months with an Older Woman (1973) -- really mostly for those who enjoy remembering ""seven layer cakes and the comfort some people get from being among their own kind.

Pub Date: Aug. 1, 1974

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Putnam

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1974

Categories: FICTION