Enough Sex To Turn Penguins Purple (Press, 19 April 1986)

In a review published on 19 April 1986, Margaret Burrell examines two novels: "Tantalus" by Amanda Hemingway and "Bliss" by Jill Tweedie, both produced by Penguin. Burrell suggests that the Penguin publishing house ought to adopt a new logo for such works, proposing a bright purple instead of the traditional orange, reflecting their provocative content. "Tantalus" draws on the Greek myth of Tantalus, who suffers eternal torment for stealing divine food and serving his son to the gods. The novel presents a narrative that appears to delve into sexual deviance while intertwined with themes of revenge and familial strife. The protagonist, Caroline, grapples with an Oedipal complex and engages in incestuous relations with a half-brother while seeking vengeance for another half-brother's death. Burrell notes the book's clever writing, despite its sordid themes reminiscent of mythological tales of gods. Caroline's involvement with the bisexual Greek Ulysses forms the crux of her revenge, echoing the traditional Greek narratives with twisted desires. The second novel, "Bliss," stands out more significantly for Burrell. The narrative follows Lady Clare La Fontaine, a beauty with wealth and status, pursued by Raul, the ruler of the fictional country of Ventura. Clare’s initial allure and subsequent marriage to Raul leads to her degradation as he becomes abusive upon learning she is not a virgin. The book reflects the subjugation of women by corrupt men, set against the backdrop of a tropical environment laden with socio-political undertones. Burrell reveals that despite the acclaim received, the portrayal of women as passive victims is troubling, as they often act only on sexual impulses. The lives of four women, including Clare and her maid Conchita, intersect tragically, culminating in death and despair. Burrell's review ultimately criticises both novels for their exploration of sexuality and gender dynamics, particularly highlighting the passive roles of women. Though "Tantalus" uses mythological allegory, and "Bliss" incorporates social critique, both works seem to embody a sense of malaise regarding female agency and the implications of male dominance in their narratives.

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