False Gods

January 1, 1992
In this collection of six novellas, Auchincloss writes of men under the influence of "false gods." Imbued with the spirit of ancient Greek myths, these modern-day tales subtly describe the effects of moral conflict and compromised values. The setting is New York City, the protagonists all upper middle class. In "Polyhymnia, Muse of Sacred Song," Reggie Turner (aspiring priest and son of a wealthy socialite) struggles with his contradictory spiritual and artistic temperaments. In "Charity, God of Our Day," Myron Townsend resigns from the family law firm in a fit of pique and embarks on a new life. He attains fulfillment as a fundraiser for the Staten Island Zoo but sacrifices other, more genteel aspects of his nature in his efforts. In "Athene, Goddess of the Brave," Alistair Dows escapes a sinking ship by disguising himself as a woman. Although not for all readers, these fables are finely crafted and eloquently written. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 9/15/91.-- Kimberly G. Allen, National Assn. of Home Builders Lib., Washington, D.C.

Copyright 1992 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 1992
In his newest collection of short fiction, Auchincloss takes Greek mythology as a point of departure. After sampling the six novellas, it is difficult to refrain from waxing poetic. Auchincloss' prose style might easily be compared to a fine, aged wine, possessing a velvety clarity. The inherent pleasure for readers, as detached observers, is in witnessing the dilemmas facing the "false gods" who populate these tales. Be assured, although his characters are often lawyers, each privileged--if morally frail--individual still has important lessons to learn. Even after the book has been set aside, this collection yields a savory aftertaste of the rarefied social set portrayed in these myths. ((Reviewed Jan. 1, 1992))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1992, American Library Association.)