Some New Novels (Press, 7 April 1973)

On 7 April 1973, several novels were reviewed, highlighting their themes and characters. The first, "There Will Be A Short Interval" by Storm Jameson, explores the complex relationships among Sergeant Jebb (known as S.J.), his mother Dame Retta Sergeant, and his son Simon. S.J., a university lecturer, faces a terminal illness and reflects on his strained connections with his mother, a self-absorbed writer, and his emotionally detached son, who is recently embroiled in a scandal following the suicide of his mistress. As S.J. grapples with Dame Retta's sudden death from a heart attack, suspicions arise about Simon’s possible involvement, leading to a poignant exploration of their disconnected lives. Next, "The Running Lions" by James Dillon White presents a guerilla warfare narrative devoid of romantic notions typically associated with such themes. The story centres on el Salvador, the leader of a group operating in South America, as they engage in a kidnapping plot orchestrated by their adversaries. The plot unfolds with the accidental capture of an enigmatic Englishman, raising suspicion within the group as dynamics shift with the arrival of an American girl who falls for el Salvador, complicating their mission. The author navigates themes of betrayal and violence, ultimately leading to an anticipated yet engaging ending. Paul Kavanagh's "The Triumph of Evil" provides a contemporary thriller set against the backdrop of a politically divided America on the brink of revolution. The character Miles Dom is depicted as a man with revolutionary zeal who resorts to terror to invoke change, examining the blurred lines between heroism and villainy. Kavanagh's narrative escapes moral platitudes, presenting a nuanced exploration of power and its violent implications amidst societal discord. Pamela Mo Corduck's "Working to the End" follows Simone Seviche, a biology student whose ambitions revolve around understanding ageing and the potential perils of her research. The novel interweaves her scientific pursuits with personal relationships, including encounters that reflect her complex nature and the moral dilemmas stemming from her discoveries. The plot critiques the obsession with technological advancement and the ethical consequences that surround it, leaving the reader questioning the implications of such a driven society. Finally, "The Bloody Affray at Riverside Drive" by William Rayner tells the story of Montana Fynn in Chicago, where a high-society reception turns tragic following a gunfight triggered by Fynn. Facing a death sentence, Fynn narrates his life story, revealing his journey from a bullied boy to a figure entrenched in a violent world governed by gun laws and personal loyalties. His tragic fate, intertwined with betrayal and conflict, offers a poignant reflection on the nature of trust and the ruthlessness of his surroundings. Overall, these novels provide diverse narratives ranging from familial turmoil and political upheaval to moral complexities of personal ambition and survival amidst violence. Each author delves into the intricacies of human relationships and societal constructs, offering readers a rich tapestry of conflict, introspection, and commentary on contemporary issues.

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