CLOSE OF PLAY

Remember Striplings -- that unique story of a brother and sister and their strange devotion, almost to the point of identification -- of the tragedy of their separation, and of the struggle to get back to a common ground during vacations. This book continues their story, in a novel of wider appeal. Biff, hating school, runs away, and earns his living by moving furniture. Netta has adjusted herself to school, but not to conventions. The mother's death throws Netta on her own, with a pompous father, a neighboring boy, Rodney, and the dog Sausage as companions. Netta and Rodney and by taking refuge under Biff's wing, and a succession of naive, absurd and entertaining situations follow. The charm of the book lies in the originality and humor and characterization. It is good entertainment -- and should appeal to all who liked the earlier book.