THE NEW ARISTOCRATS

by Michel de Saint Pierre ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 28, 1962

In title only this successor to The Aristocrats (1956) deals with a younger generation. It is a gentler book, and sincerity, concern and conviction are the instruments with which it defends its faith in an ordered, Christian (Catholic) world now challenged by ""the new aristocrats"", a rebellious but vulnerable elite. Heading their revolt at a Jesuit school is Denis Prulle-Rousseau, much more at home there than elsewhere, devoted to the memory of his deceased philosophy teacher who is now replaced by a priest, young Father Maubrun. Father Maubrun is inexperienced and unsure that he can deal with his class of ""sorcerer's apprentices"", and Denis, a brilliant boy with an agile intellect, insolent and wary, tests him again and again and finally faces dismissal. And although Father Maubrun alone shows any real feeling and understanding for the boy, he cannot circumvent the tragedy to follow.... Whereas the American reader may feel one step removed-not from the problem-but from the arena in which it is argued-this writer's affirmation of traditional values has a soft spoken authority.

Pub Date: Jan. 28, 1962

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1962

Categories: FICTION