DOMESTIC ARRANGEMENTS

by Norma Klein ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 1981

What goes on in the mind of a sexually active, 14-year-old Manhattan girl who becomes an overnight star in an R-rated moxie, whose actress mother and somewhat old-fashioned father have lovers on the side, and whose unimpressed boyfriend seems to want only one thing? Well, she feels either lousy or great, and that's about it--according to Klein's latest trend-mill, which is obviously under the Brooke Shields influence. When we first meet heroine Rusty, however, she's not a star; but she is beautiful--unlike plain-Jane sister Deel (who's into causes)--and she is appreciated fully by 16-year-old Joshua, whom she really likes. They ""fuck"" a lot--even though Daddy is unhappy about it (Mother thinks ""the whole thing's normal as blueberry pie"")--and Rusty even acquires her very own diaphragm. Yes, folks, it's one of those Norma Klein households where everything's talked about honestly--even if Mother is a bit embarrassed with her lover in the house and Daddy doesn't flaunt his. In the meantime, Rusty's movie (she got the role by chance) is a hit, and it happens to be all about two teenagers who have a good pure love while their parents switch partners. The new star goes to Hollywood for publicity, compares love troubles with her co-star, a nice homosexual; there are interviews in People and on TV. But Rusty really wants to chuck it all, even a big contract role in a new Lolita: she wants to be an obstetrician someday. And, while making this noble move, her on-and-off feelings for Joshua will come together--he finally understands that there'll be no sex unless she really wants it. The nth degree in juvenile trendiness and the absolute bottom of the pseudo-hip barrel: blah baloney.

Pub Date: March 1, 1981

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Evans

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 1981

Categories: FICTION