
As an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner, Menrva Books earns from qualifying purchases. Learn more
FOR MOST OF THEM THE GLITTERING PRIZES HAVE TARNISHEDStylish, erotic and cruel, Frederic Raphael s sparkling collection of stories slices to the heart of a certain milieu, exposing those who cling to its affluent surfaces but who have lost the art of loving.Uneasy and restless, the world they inhabit depends on treachery for survival and on infidelity to sharpen the appetite - a world where social, sexual and financial jealousies can snap the brittle bonds of affection and where the past seems a foreign countryFrederic Raphael s watchful and witty pen shocks and provokes - but always tells the truth.
A collection of stories examines the moral decay and interpersonal betrayals within an affluent, elite social circle. These narratives follow characters who navigate the complexities of status, ambition, and romantic disillusionment. Raphael employs a sharp, observational lens to document how these individuals maintain their social standing while sacrificing personal integrity. The stories function as a critique of a specific class, focusing on the friction between public success and private emptiness.
Readers and critics frequently note the sharp, biting tone that defines Raphael's prose throughout this collection. Discussion often centers on the author's ability to expose the cruelty hidden beneath the polished surfaces of his characters' lives. Many highlight the pacing as brisk and focused, allowing the author to dissect complex social hierarchies with efficiency. The collection is often cited for its unflinching look at the intersection of sexual jealousy and professional ambition. Readers who appreciate character-driven narratives that prioritize psychological realism over sentimentality will find this work particularly engaging.
Page Count:
288
Publication Date:
1980-01-01
Publisher:
Penguin Books
ISBN-10:
0140072349
ISBN-13:
9780140072341
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!