HERB 'N' LORNA

by Eric Kraft ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 25, 1988

A dullish comic novel about a couple of sweet grandparents who also make erotic jewelry. Peter Leroy, star of Kraft's well-received The Personal History, Adventures, Experiences and Observations of Peter Leroy, must be wondering what he's doing here, because he narrates his story with a notable lack of lightness and spirit. As briefly as possible, Herb and Lorna Piper, Peter's grandparents (also known, unfortunately, as Gumma and Guppa), met way back before the WW I, when Herb was a traveling book-salesman, and Lorna a small-town beauty in upstate New York. After heroic service in France, Herb returns to marry Lorna, and they settle in the pretty town of Babbington, having children and eventually going to work--both of them--for a company that makes slide rules. But each has a little deep-dark secret: Lorna came from a family that made erotic jewelry--known as the ""coarse-goods trade""--and Lorna is really an expert carver of same. And being a mechanical genius, Herb has long retained an interest in the way various couples. . .couple; this stands him in good stead in the manufacture of moving pieces of the jewelry. So, after 40 years of marriage, Herb and Lorna finally confess to each other their interest in the stuff. Down in Florida, where they've retired, they become famous for their sexy carvings, and eventually teach other senior citizens the art in homey worship classes. As cute as the 'n' in the title--and every bit as uninspiring.

Pub Date: April 25, 1988

ISBN: 1935597019

Page Count: -

Publisher: Crown

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1988

Categories: FICTION