New Fiction (Press, 18 June 1966)

The book reviews published on 18 June 1966 cover a range of titles, highlighting various themes and styles. The first review discusses "Mr Bratbe's August Picnic" by Jacqueline Wheldon, which revolves around the lives of Mrs Hytha Bratbe, a wealthy and busy mother, her lover Doddley, and her intelligent daughter Alexandra. Alexandra faces challenges, including expulsion from school and a bizarre attack on a priest, leading her to co-found an unusual club that recites Greek philosophy. The story culminates in the annual August Picnic, exposing the struggles and interactions among characters at Mrs Bratbe's Sussex estate. Ultimately, by age twenty, Alexandra achieves a sense of peace despite her tumultuous life. The reviewer praises Wheldon's versatility, noting minor flaws in her writing. Geoff Brown's debut novel, "I Want What I Want," is described as an "astonishing tour-de-force" that explores themes of transvestitism through the character of Roy Clark. His struggles with identity and obsession lead him to seek a transformation into a woman, only to face disappointment and eventual tragedy. The reviewer finds Brown's portrayal convincing and looks forward to future works. Brooke Astor’s "The Blue Bird Is At Home" is characterised as a witty commentary on social and moral issues between the wars. The story follows Jane Stowe, who, after marrying Jim Allstead, discovers that her lack of sexual desire significantly impacts their relationship. Jim's infidelity and Jane's pursuit of "father figures" create a complex dynamic, resolved through social conflict. The light-hearted tone is recognised as a counterbalance to the story’s improbable elements. In "The Bloody Wood" by Michael Innes, an intricate thriller is set around the inheritance complications of Charne, an English stately home. The narrative explores the Martineau family dynamics, especially after Mrs Martineau's suspicious death. The resulting investigation incorporates a range of characters and red herrings, with Innes's trademark wit enhancing the story, despite a somewhat contrived resolution. Finally, Terence Kelly's "The Genki Boys" describes life in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp, focusing on the monotony and daily struggles of the captives. The review criticises the lack of tension and depth in character exploration, asserting that the novel becomes tedious rather than providing insights into the psychological impacts of hardship. Overall, these reviews depict a diverse array of literary works, each exploring different facets of human experience, perception of identity, and social commentary.

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