by Phyllis Rose ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 21, 1990
Brief and, on the whole, forgettable meditations on the balance of power in relationships, the importance of self-esteem, the art of letting go, etc.--placed in New York, French, and New England settings--by an essayist and biographer who's been significantly more entertaining in the past (Jazz Cleopatra, 1989; Writing of Women, 1985, etc.). A Wesleyan English professor--whose relationship with N.Y.C. appears centered on the search for a nonabusive hairdresser and whose experience of France includes chance acquaintances with a Galoise-puffing male prostitute and a transvestite from Dijon--Rose's rather winsome thought-processes turn naturally to the motives underlying individuals' behavior and to what intellectual justification might exist for their actions. But these are shallow waters, for the most part: Rose's affection for vintage clothes; her suspicion that women may occasionally fantasize that their husbands are disabled and need their constant care; her grumpy bewilderment over why some people (usually men) feel a need to play their stereos too loudly--all seem more like what one might expect from a stranger at a party than from this usually invigorating author. Only when the scene shifts to her native ground (Middletown, Conn.) do the themes get interesting and I he comments substantive. In ""On Making Sense,"" Rose expresses real dismay and fear when a previously promising student turns paranoid and begins systematically attacking Rose's home. ""The Tragic Flaw"" quite effectively decries the modern assumption that we get the bad luck we deserve. But a thought piece on a jacks tournament on Martha's Vineyard? A powerful engine coasting in neutral.
Pub Date: Feb. 21, 1990
ISBN: N/A
Page Count: -
Publisher: Doubleday
Review Posted Online: N/A
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 1990
Categories: NONFICTION
© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hey there, book lover.
We’re glad you found a book that interests you!
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Don’t fret. We’ll find you.