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Title: In like a puddytat...out like a lambypie
Review: What a promising start and what a disappointing payoff. Some of Saul Bernstein's reactions and observations about the Midwest, and Patsy's long-suffering reactions, are truly hilarious. If you love to recall the scene in Annie Hall where Alvie Singer worries incessantly about the possible anti-Semitic overtones of the phrase, "Did you eat?" you'll love this stuff. But the plot does not hold one's interest...especially after a denoument that lacks much punch and an ending that might leave you gratified about the hero's character development, but ultimately unimpressed with the role he takes on in his chosen community. Those who have said that this novel reads like the collection of short stories from which it sprang, and not like a complete work of literature in and of its self seem to be right on the money.
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