Fresh And Stale Avocadoes (Press, 20 July 1974)
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Summary: Fresh And Stale Avocadoes (Press, 20 July 1974)
On 20 July 1974, a review highlighted the contrasting receptions of two novels by Elaine Dundy: "The Dud Avocado" and "The Injured Party". "The Dud Avocado", first released some time earlier, quickly became a best-seller, celebrated for its lively protagonist, Sally Jay Goree, who embodied a carefree yet sophisticated lifestyle in Paris. The novel was praised for its wit and cheekiness, depicting a character's quest for a glamorous and adventurous life. In contrast, Dundy’s latest work, "The Injured Party", was met with disappointment. While the promotional blurb suggested that her loyal readers had eagerly anticipated this novel, the review indicated that the freshness of Dundy's writing had faded. The story features a strong but troubled heroine, Rilla, who struggles with a tumultuous and toxic marriage to Arthur, characterised by violent and obscene arguments. Rilla’s life takes a dramatic turn when she unintentionally injures Arthur during one of their fights, leading to her facing murder charges and eventually serving time for manslaughter. During her imprisonment, Rilla engages in a complex relationship with a fellow inmate named Kelly and develops a romance with the prison warden. However, these relationships are tinged with a sense of despair, reflecting a bleak perspective on love and human connection. The reviewer noted that if Dundy's novels mirror contemporary society, it reveals a troubling picture of a sickly social environment. The review concluded with a lamentation over Dundy's talent being overshadowed by the sordid themes explored in "The Injured Party", suggesting that despite her aesthetic appeal as an author, her narrative choices have regrettably led to a less favourable outcome in this particular work.
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