THE VICTIM

Again a book on the theme of anti-semitism, but here is merely a fragmentary presentation without force, about which is woven a plot of nightmare quality. When Asa Levinthal is held responsible by Kirby Allbee, (whom he knew but casually and disliked because of his strong anti-semitism) for the loss of his job, Asa reluctantly finds himself in the role of his brother's keeper. Alcoholism was at the root not only of the loss of the job but of the subsequent break with his wife, and Allbee again makes Asa feel responsible, to the point of Asa's becoming a victim of his own conflict. Eventually Asa reaches a more objective attitude, and breaks the false hold Allbee has taken. A story of New York today- in general introspective, thought provoking, but with the focus on the idea rather than the people, who are little more than lay figures.