THE DREAM YEARS

by Lisa Goldstein ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1985

From the author of The Red Magician: a surrealistic time-travel fantasy that's ultimately too dreamy and wayward to be convincing. In 1920's Paris, Robert St. Onge (his philosophy is simple: he wants to have a good time) is hanging about on the fringes of a surrealist group headed by real-life writer Andr‚ Breton. He catches a glimpse of a striking, unusual woman, follows her--and finds himself somehow transported to the strike-and-riot-torn Pads of the 1960's. The woman, Solange, is part of an anarchist group attempting to overthrow the established order. Back once more in the 1920's, Robert's friends are impressed by his adventures--but Robert, who hopes to write an orthodox novel, quarrels with Andr‚ over the latter's Surrealist Manifesto. During further time-trips, Robert becomes deeply involved in the 1960's struggle and falls in love with Solange--but then he finds himself trapped in a strange room where a terrifying masked, homed figure tries to brainwash him into accepting Establishment values. Robert escapes, hotly pursued by the homed creature, which now threatens the people of both the 1920's and 1960's. Finally, Robert and Solange meet again in the middle of a bizarre, surrealist war being fought in the 21st century. As the good guys triumph, Robert and Solange are parted--but the unpredictable time-jumps will continue, so the lovers will be reunited periodically. The prose is pleasingly light and supple, and there's some minor historical interest--but the mechanics are only half worked-out, and the story rambles with no clear or urgent purpose.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1985

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Bantam

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1985

Categories: FICTION