RICH MAN, POOR MAN

by Irwin Shaw ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 17, 1970

This ever and everlasting novel, proceeding with styleless ease in the most readable fashion possible, spans some twenty years and the three lives of the Jordache children from their divided beginnings to their unified endings in middle age. First Gretchen, from her slatternly start at 17 with a rich failure who to a degree is instrumental in all their lives. Gretchen goes on to New York and a lackluster marriage, to Los Angeles and an exciting one with a film director until his untimely death. Then there's Thomas, the insolent delinquent who disappears for years to become a prizefighter, whom Rudolph (he's next) helps unknowingly, and who repays his debt to society and to the family fully. And last Rudolph, handsome, cautious, acquisitive, who does become a rich man but a responsible one. . . . Mr. Shaw's story keeps going with a self-perpetuating interest and with the kind of professionalism that say Jerome Weidman manifests although forfeiting anything which qualifies at a literary level. But it should be eminently marketplaceable.

Pub Date: Sept. 17, 1970

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Delacorte

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1970

Categories: FICTION