ACTION IN HAVANA

The Best Butter received a huzza from the press gang, that satirical inquisition of the intellectuals. This is a less mental book, in theme and approach; less sharp-eyed and sharp-tongued; but equally dexterous, facile, wise and sustaining throughout an emotional tension which is quite holding. It should have a wider market than the earlier book; it is a more human story. Howard Avery, wealthy, ruthless, holding his wife emotionally apart from the world, and keeping his sisters under his domination. Then in Havana, Julie, the younger sister, falls in love with a journalist who is working on an expose of sugar interests, which will break Howard. Havana shifts all senses of value -- and both wife and sister (it is too late for the older sister) learn what it means to break the iron-silver-cord. Genuinely staged and motivated, with some smooth writing. Primarily a woman's book, and a good one.