HEMLOCK AND AFTER

by Angus Wilson ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 29, 1952

After two critically acclaimed books of short stories, Mr. Wilson has had the good fortune and talent not to write a short-story-writer's novel. He has in fact produced something reminiscent of Point Counter Point, although not so good nor so skillful. The tale of the many lives and defeats of Bernard Sands, greatly respected and successful novelist, humanist and homosexual, a man of ideas who has temporarily defeated the woman of action to whom he is married, is clever, extremely unpleasant and very well written. All the elements of Bernard's life are presented separately, they come together and clash, and, when they again disperse, they pull him apart. At the same time, those very same components re-awake and restore his wife who concludes his many plans after his death. Reviews will undoubtedly be good and sales, too, should be good among a smallish literary group, but its sheer unpleasantness (both in point of view and in incident), and particularly its dwelling on the subworld of homosexuality, will definitely restrict its audience. There will be no denial however that this is dexterous, if cold, writing.

Pub Date: Sept. 29, 1952

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Viking

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1952

Categories: FICTION