The Human Dance
These young men and women are celebrating the last day of school in Ukraine. Photo from Reuters:
Born on Long Island, Sue Kaufman earned a degree at Vassar, where she did editorial work. She had pieces published in The Atlantic Monthly, The Paris Review and The Saturday Evening Post. She married a doctor in ’53. Her first novel was published in ’59. Her third, Diary of a Mad Housewife (1967), brought her fame. It was adapted to the big screen in 1970, directed by Frank Perry, screenplay by his wife Eleanor. It starred Carrie Snodgrass, whose performance was nominated for an Oscar. I haven’t read the book or seen the movie, which, unfortunately, is not available at Netflix by mail. I just finished her fifth and final novel, Falling Bodies, published in 1974. It is a portrait of a middle class Manhattan family. The wife, mid ’30s, is at the tail end of a “rough year,” having suffered the death of her mom and a FUO — Fever of Unknown Origin. She is just back from a month long stay in the hospital. Her 11-year-old son has become withdrawn. This is a dive into the human condition and Kaufman nails that aspect, insight keen. Everything is plausible. It is overwritten and meandering but solid. There is language, terms that would offend the silly these days. The tone is melancholy, not grim. The perspective of the Colombian housekeeper is interesting, though I doubt it is to be taken as wisdom, as she too has faults. Those lucky to be living happy lives should probably pass. Two users have rated Falling Bodies at Amazon, forging to a consensus of 3.4 on a scale of five. The title refers to a temporary phobia the protagonist suffers about being struck by someone falling or jumping from a building. Her husband, a publishing exec, keeps a secret journal of his own fears. I will add my opinion to the novel’s page, rating it three. Kaufman’s final work came in ’76, a collection of short stories. Sadly, she passed away at 50 in ’77 after a long illness. She was a mom of a son. Well done, Madam. Facts from Wiki, photo from Google Images:
Many friends will not like this newsmax.com headline: “Don’t Drink Beer: What Attracts and Repels Mosquitoes.” Just another reason I’m glad I always found the taste of suds repulsive.
June continues its wonderful weather. It looked like the floating book shop was going to be a dud for the third straight session when The Quiet Man came along and bought five Sex and the City DVDs, The Sentinel (2006), The Mechanic (2011), and two kids’ books: Quidditch Through the Ages by Kennilworthy Whisp, and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by J. K. Rowling & Newt Scamander. Thank you, sir, and to the elderly woman who bought Beach House by James Patterson & Peter de Jonge.
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