THE KING FROM ASHTABULA

by Vern Sneider ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 14, 1960

The Nakashima Islands (15 dots on the map between Japan and Asia) have been under typical U.S. Army jurisdiction for 15 years when they vote to reestablish their glorious monarchy which was abolished by Japanese and Chinese invaders in the 16th century. Unintelligent and unconscious of politics and Eastern mentality, the smug American army general in command is caught in a confusing series of paradoxical misunderstandings between Washington and the natives who succeed in discovering the royal succession -- a couple of potato-growing peasants and two young and thoroughly Americanized college students. The establishment of a poultry and hog cooperative industry, the furthering of marital prospects among the natives through college-type mixers, the mutual loan societies erected by the women of the American and native communities- all these are part of a take-off of American blunders in ""adopted"" underdeveloped countries and the estrangement between Western and Asian outlooks. It's pretty obvious stuff, with none of the charm or happy humor of The Tea House of the August Moon and would suggest that it might come off better on the big screen than under the scrutiny of the written page.

Pub Date: Oct. 14, 1960

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Putnam

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1960

Categories: FICTION