Showing posts with label Sex. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sex. Show all posts

Monday, February 27, 2012

The Inheritors (published in 1969) - Written by Harold Robbins, about the entertainment industry

Harold Robbins was one of the prolific writers of the 21st century. Born Harold Rubin, his parents were Russian and Polish immigrants. After dabbling in sugar futures he took up a job in Universal pictures which propelled his interest towards writing. Thus out came “Never love a Stranger” which courted controversy for its graphic sexual content. Soon Robbins would become a prolific writer churning out innumerable best sellers. He had this knack of mixing up a thriller with sex and historical anecdotes to create a taut mystery. The worlds favorite author, Harold Robins would publish over 20 books which are translated in 32 languages and estimated to sell over 750 million copies.
Many of his books were made in to successful movies, the very first being “A stone For Danny Fisher” which was adapted as “King Creole” starring Elvis Presley. The stories were also made in to mini series and were part of documentaries. Robbins also lived a jet setting life style with cars, wine and women at his disposal. His decadent life style along with those of the high and mighty of Hollywood is often mirrored in his books. Robbins was one of the authors honored with a star on the Hollywood walk of frame. This prolific writer died of a cardiac arrest at the age of 81 in Palm Springs, California.



Harold Robbins presents the last book on Hollywood in his “Trilogy of Greed”. Starting with “Dream Merchants”, followed by “Carpetbaggers” and ending with “The Inheritors” the tale moves with the generations chronicling, their quest for fame, money and power. The book tells the tale spanning ten years from 1955 to 1965, about the two man who find their friendship tested as they build a television empire. In his true style Robbins chronicles the saga of two men and their conquests, money, women and friendship. Steve gaunt is a quintessential alpha male who revels in getting what he wants. He does not have to work hard as women swoon for his chiseled features and money. Its really fishy, how he gets things go on his way, and sometimes one suspect the trick of hypnosis. So he walks in to a TV company and lands up the cushiest jobs in HR which gets him the the money, and the choicest of women. It helps to fall in love with the chairman’s daughter, Barbara to get to the top and Steve steers the company to the numero uno position.
Sam Benjamin rising up the ranks of the movie business is the perfect mate for Steve as he matches him in conquests and ambition. Soon they become friends and partners who can make the industry flush with cash. Steve, meanwhile divorces his wife and seduces women all over the world. In fact he has a tough time in keeping up with their names that he just calls them some girl and women love him for that. But fate has other plans as their friendship sour and egos lead to clashes, and doom descends. With Harold Robbins one can be sure that nice guys finish last and the jerk wins.
The book staying true to Robbin's literature is overloaded with graphic sexual details and violence. But it also has the insider view of the movie industry and intelligent conversations on stocks and business parameters. The speed is break neck as the characters collide and move on. For a Harold Robbins officianados it is value for money. Again PG rated and look out for the alpha male.

The Inheritors (published in 1969) - Written by Harold Robbins, about the entertainment industry

Saturday, February 25, 2012

The Adventurers (published in 1966) - By Harold Robbins, story of a remarkable man

Harold Robbins was one of the prolific writers of the 21st century. Born Harold Rubin, his parents were Russian and Polish immigrants. After dabbling in sugar futures he took up a job in Universal pictures which propelled his interest towards writing. Thus out came “Never love a Stranger” which courted controversy for its graphic sexual content. Soon Robbins would become a prolific writer churning out innumerable best sellers. He had this knack of mixing up a thriller with sex and historical anecdotes to create a taut mystery. The worlds favorite author, Harold Robins would publish over 20 books which are translated in 32 languages and estimated to sell over 750 million copies.
Many of his books were made in to successful movies, the very first being “A stone For Danny Fisher” which was adapted as “King Creole” starring Elvis Presley. The stories were also made in to mini series and were part of documentaries. Robbins also lived a jet setting life style with cars, wine and women at his disposal. His decadent life style along with those of the high and mighty of Hollywood is often mirrored in his books. Robbins was one of the authors honored with a star on the Hollywood walk of frame. This prolific writer died of a cardiac arrest at the age of 81 in Palm Springs, California.



The Adventurers, published in 1966 is the tale of a South American President who rises to the numero uno position in his country surviving a deprived childhood and other battles. All he has is, his amazing sex drive (no pun intended) and close friends. So, getting to the plot, in the continent of South America there is a country named “Courtuguay” which is an amalgamation of Paraguay, Chile, Uruguay etc. Diogenes Alejandro Xenos or DAX as he is popularly known as, is the son of the soil. So at the outset DAX is uprooted by the revolution and witnesses innumerable murders and rapes which Robbins describes to a sickening detail.
DAX moves to different capitals of the world making tonnes of money through lot of shady deals and exchanging arm candies for each country. He goes on to having unlimited sex with women with all races, although blondes are preferred. Harold as the inventor of blase sex has graphic descriptions thrown with every move and position explained. Actually the book is 700 pages long and can be said to be an ode to porn. Where you do not have orgies you have murders and rape.
The book is said to be inspired by Dominican diplomat Pirfirio Rubirosa, who was renowned as a ladies man and his life ended in a car crash. But you may be sure that DAX is too clever to end up in a ball of flame. The Adventurers is typical Harold Robbins, racy, and graphic. It was made into a movie starring Charles Aznavour and Candace Bergen. If one is a Robbins fan, used to his books, it definitely does not disappoint. But keep it away from young children.

The Adventurers (published in 1966) - By Harold Robbins, story of a remarkable man

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Stiletto (published in 1960) - A book by Harold Robbins, silencing the witnesses against the mob

Harold Robins is one of the prolific writers of the 21st century. Born Harold Rubin, his parents were Russian and Polish immigrants. After dabbling in sugar futures he took up a job in Universal Pictures which propelled his interest towards writing. Thus came out “Never love a Stranger” which courted a controversy for its graphic sexual content. Soon Robbins would become a prolific writer churning out innumerable best sellers. He had this knack of mixing up a thriller with sex and historical anecdotes to create a taut mystery. The world's favorite author, Harold Robins would publish over 20 books which have been translated into 32 languages and estimatedly selling over 750 million copies. Many of his books were made into successful movies, the very first being “A stone For Danny Fisher” which was adapted as “King Creole” starring Elvis Presley. The stories were also made in to mini series and were part of documentaries. Robbins also lived a jet setting life style with cars, wine and women at his disposal. His decadent life style along with those of the high and mighty of Hollywood was often mirrored in his books. Robbins was one of the authors honored with a star on the Hollywood walk of frame. This prolific writer died of a cardiac arrest at the age of 81 in Palm Springs, California.
Stiletto has the usual ingredients of a Harold Robbins pot boiler, a mafia hit man, a special agent, voluptuous blondes who are deemed intelligent by the author but having the IQ of a dodo and graphic sexual encounters. This book also boasts of graphic violence and descriptions of the thrill of killing. Cesare Cardinali is a young aristocrat who is a pervert, disturbed sociopath. But for Harold Robbins he is a young aristocrat with a penchant for killing.



He kills using a stiletto which is a knife not something which the ladies crave for. Cesare, being Italian is tall dark, muscular and handsome with incredible love making prowess that the ladies flock to him asking for more.
Cesare is a race driver and a hit man who enjoys a kill. He is given the job to silence four witnesses by the mafia bosses which he does with aplomb. The scrunch of the stiletto on his victims body gives him a high. But soon his party is over as the mafia gets cold legs about his trustability. Soon they want him dead and also pursuing him is George Baker, a nice guy special agent who had given his prime years marching up the witnesses. The cat and mouse encounters with lot of sexual encounters and bone chilling violence covers the rest of the book.
Stiletto is vintage Harold Robbins. From the man who invented sex, stiletto is full of erotic content and this might be the reason for its popularity. The book has nothing original to offer, no new twists, no great insights as it is a typical hit man on the run from the mafia story. But for Harold Robbins fans this might be entertaining as the typical racy potboiler. So it gives you the expected and since it never promises to be a literary masterpiece, I think there is no scope for complaints.

Stiletto (published in 1960) - A book by Harold Robbins, silencing the witnesses against the mob

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

79 Park Avenue (published in 1955) - Authored by Harold Robbins

Harold Robins was one of the prolific writers of the 21st century. Born Harold Rubin, his parents were Russian and Polish immigrants. After dabbling in sugar futures he took up a job in Universal pictures which propelled his interest towards writing. Thus came out “Never love a Stranger” which courted a controversy for its graphic sexual content. Soon Robbins would become a prolific writer churning out innumerable best sellers. He had this knack of mixing up a thriller with sex and historical anecdotes to create a taut mystery.
The worlds favorite author, Harold Robins would publish over 20 books which are translated in to 32 languages and estimated to be selling over 750 million copies. Many of his books were made in to successful movies, the very first being “A stone For Danny Fisher” which was adapted as “King Creole” starring Elvis Presley. The stories were also made in to mini series and were part of documentaries. Robbins also lived a jet setting life style with cars, wine and women at his disposal. His decadent life style along with those of the high and mighty of Hollywood is often mirrored in his books. Robbins was one of the authors honored with a star on the Hollywood walk of frame. This prolific writer died of a cardiac arrest at the age of 81 in Palm Springs, California.



79 Park Avenue is one of most depressing book one can ever encounter. Robbins usually has a high erotic content in his books, but the terrible sexual abuse the heroine Marja Fluujincki (and that's a real crazy name, even it is Polish) has to encounter is completely tasteless. Marja is a long legged, well endowed polish beauty who has a loveless childhood. She is molested and raped by all the men in her life and even by her stepfather. After being impregnated by her stepfather she is imprisoned and not allowed an abortion. She escapes and reaches the land of opportunities, New York and rises on the rungs as a model.
As one expects a respite in the abuse saga, she is again raped and then forced in to prostitution. From a teenage prostitute Marja goes on to be a highly paid call girl and ultimately a mob boss's mistress. But the house of cards come down as the mob man husband is bumped off. She becomes a mob mistress and as a top madam she is arrested for procurement, thus fate bringing her the first nice guy in her life, the prosecution attorney, Mike Keyes. So after a couple of encounters Marja is all set for her happily ever after.
Even after this happy ending this book leaves a bad taste in one's mouth. The graphic rape scenes actually just keeps the bile rising up. It is depressing and tiring on ones nerves. The kissing scenes and love makings scenes are actually a blink and go which is usually against the Robbins ethos. An highly improbable story, graphic disturbing sexual content and a diabolic characters leave a bad after taste. Not very recommended, and to think that Harold Robbins dedicated this to his wife makes it highly amusing.

79 Park Avenue (published in 1955) - Authored by Harold Robbins

Friday, February 10, 2012

The Carpetbaggers (published in 1961) - Written by Harold Robbins

Harold Robins was one of the prolific writers of the 21st century. Born Harold Rubin, his parents were Russian and Polish immigrants. After dabbling in sugar futures he took up a job in Universal pictures which propelled his interest towards writing. Thus came out “Never love a Stranger” which courted controversy for its graphic sexual content. Soon Robbins would become a prolific writer churning out innumerable best sellers. He had this knack of mixing up a thriller with sex and historical anecdotes to create a taut mystery. The worlds favorite author, Harold Robins would publish over 20 books which were translated into 32 languages and are estimated to be selling over 750 million copies. Many of his books were made in to successful movies, the very first being “A stone For Danny Fisher” which was adapted as “King Creole” starring Elvis Presley. The stories were also made in to mini series and were part of documentaries. Robbins also lived a jet setting life style with cars, wine and women at his disposal. His decadent life style along with those of the high and mighty of Hollywood is often mirrored in his books. Robbins was one of the authors honored with a star on the Hollywood walk of frame. This prolific writer died of a cardiac arrest at the age of 81 in Palm Springs, California.



Carpetbaggers is an homage to the roaring twenties and the terrifying thirties. The characters of Jonas Cord, Rina Marlow, Jeannie Denton, Charles Sandhurst etc depict that fearlessness of the twenties where possibilities abound at your every step and is soon turned to dust by the next decade by war and depression. Carpetbaggers is a roman a clef which chronicles the life of Howard Hughes through the protagonist Jonas Cord. Jonas Cord is the son of a wealthy industrialist who accumulates wealth with his interests branching in to aviation and Hollywood. The entire novel is divided in to chapters bearing the character's names where in Jonas Cord gets 3 chapters followed by chapters chronicling Rina's and others bumping on to him.
Cord lives by his own definitions, builds and pilots airplanes, makes costly movies and has umpteen orgies with Hollywood starlets. Carpetbaggers is a teenage boys fantasy come true and has graphic sexual details. Apart from oral and homosexual encounters, the novel describes rape, abuse and other sexual encounters in detail which almost put you off. But the saga of Cord and others is spell binding as Robins describes their rise and fall. Rina Marlow, said to be based on Jean Harlow is described as a bisexual having encounters with Jonas, his father, brother and even a girl friend. This book may not be raising an eyebrow today, but was said to be a bold attempt in the 60's. The most disturbing characterization is that of Jennie Denton who has every possible horror perpetrated on her, that it makes one sick. But then one has to remember that the book is Robbins at his best. If one can forget the graphic sex, then the saga of a rich man and his cronies and mistresses hold your breath. A splendid book and its no wonder that this book is still one of the best sought after paperbacks. Best of Robbins and worth a read.

The Carpetbaggers (published in 1961) - Written by Harold Robbins

Monday, October 25, 2010

The Guest of Honor (published in 1989) - Written by Irving Wallace

Irving Wallace was born in Chicago, to Jewish parents,Bessie and Alexander Wallace Who had emigrated from Russia. He completed his studies in California and started out as a journalist at a tender age of 15. He studied creative writing at the Williams Institute in Berkley and from the mid-30s he worked as a free-lance correspondent. In 1941 he married Sylvia Kahn; they had two children. Irving Wallace served in the air force during world war two and later collaborated in several movies as a writer. His first book "Sins of Peter Fleming" did not attract much attention. But his second book influenced by the Kinsey report was a best seller. He has been a prolific churner of best sellers and his books have been adapted as major movies. He died on June 29, 1990.
Matt Underwood is the President of the United States of America who has a beautiful wife, a former Miss America, and everything a man can ask for. He has money, power and can do anything, so it seems because the world revolves around him. His wife, a charming young lady, albeit a shrew is not enough for him even though she seems to satisfy his urges initially.
In a far far south east Asian country, its president, Prem Lapang is assassinated by communists or some shifty elements and his beauteous wife Noy Sang ascends the throne, well the chair. Noy, if it helps, is an American Educated sophisticated young thing with a precocious genius of a son. About two thirds of her country is occupied by communist rebels and her Army chief who is ably assisted by the CIA favors military action to throw them out, but alas good Noy prefers to talk. This creates lot of friction which makes the defense establishment see red.



Noy Sang comes to America on a state visit, also holding begging bowl for a large loan. Now the handsome former TV anchor President is very much smitten by her and falls desperately in love. He gives a larger than anticipated loan from the American coffers. As far as I know, the American President needs congressional support to give loan to other countries. Noy also reciprocates his feelings and soon they make love everywhere. President ditches the secret service to cavort in Noy's island paradise and other places. Nobody has a clue even the CIA except for an investigative journalist who tries to make it front page news.
Soon Noy is kidnapped by her own defense chief and good old Matt Underwood does a James Bondish rescue by shooting down her assailants. He had asked the secret service earlier not to cover him but to give him a gun which is put to good use to save his lady love. Anyways he saves her and soon the scandal concerning the heads of state tends to erupt so badly that even world peace is unhinged. Matt even tries to abdicate and does not want to run for the second term, but to retire with Noy to a tropical paradise. But soon things are solved magically with help of trusted lieutenants and Underwood remains president. And Good heavens he even has Noy on the sides along with wife and the world peace.
An inane plot and premise has this book doomed from page one. If you are a starter with Wallace's books, please do not get discouraged for he has written superb books which are page turners. Start with “The man”. This one is a page turner for sure, only think you would want to turn the page so fast to reach the end and bury the book.

The Guest of Honor (published in 1989) - Written by Irving Wallace

Sunday, October 24, 2010

The Golden Room (published in 1988) - Written by Irving Wallace

Irving Wallace was born in Chicago, to Jewish parents,Bessie and Alexander Wallace Who had emigrated from Russia. He completed his studies in California and started out as a journalist at a tender age of 15. He studied creative writing at the Williams Institute in Berkley and from the mid-30s he worked as a free-lance correspondent. In 1941 he married Sylvia Kahn; they had two children. Irving Wallace served in the air force during world war two and later collaborated in several movies as a writer. His first book "Sins of Peter Fleming" did not attract much attention. But his second book influenced by the Kinsey report was a best seller. He has been a prolific churner of best sellers and his books have been adapted as major movies. He died on June 29, 1990.
An historical novel from Irving Wallace where he churns out a interesting biopic of the Everleigh sisters. The Everleigh sisters were the owners of the ritziest Bordello in Chicago town and their entourage or the understudies were the most sought after girls in town. Aida and Minna Everleigh were the southern belles who were pushed into the flesh trade with the marauding armies of the civil war. Aida the silent brunette was the brain behind the organization which set up a bordello business. Her enchanting blonde sister Minna was the pretty head who always spoke her mind and had her ways. Soon after uprooting themselves in Omaha, they set up business in Chicago.



It is said that the Everleigh sisters brought class to their business. All their girls were hand picked for their beauty and were trained in the art of seduction. They were told to learn to talk, sit, appreciate art and culture and make an interesting conversation with the patrons. So the enterprising madams had soft skills wired in to their syllabi for their students. The clothes and make up were designed and brought from France.
A gentleman patron was supposed to spend at least 50 dollars at the club or face banishment. Foreign Liqueur chocolates, French wines, cornucopian offerings of fruits, nuts and exotic sweets were provided along with excellent entertainment for the patrons. The rooms were decorated lavishly with gold gilds and leaves and stones and even had a golden piano. From the other syphilitic whorehouses this den of vice seems a class apart.
So along with the the popularity many celebrities including, Princes, Actors, underworld Mafia dons frequented the place. Soon it becomes a a picking point for the notorious serial killer, Holmes who preys on the prostitutes. The Mayor of the town who is looking to close down the joint sends in a female undercover reporter Karen Grant who discovers, theft, rape and murder under the glitzy facade of the bordello. Soon they also come under the radar of William Pinkerton, the world famous detective who is investigating the serial killer.
As the tale proceeds the bordello becomes the victim of a host of things, like the moral brigade and the town misceants. Wallace weaves an incredible tale about two gutsy women who took on the world and brought it to their knees at a time when women did not even have a right to vote. This tale about the real life Everleigh sisters is one to read, even though it is not very much believable.

The Golden Room (published in 1988) - Written by Irving Wallace

Sunday, October 17, 2010

The Celestial bed (Published in 1987) - Written by Irving Wallace

Irving Wallace was born in Chicago, to Jewish parents,Bessie and Alexander Wallace Who had emigrated from Russia. He completed his studies in California and started out as a journalist at a tender age of 15. He studied creative writing at the Williams Institute in Berkley and from the mid-30s he worked as a free-lance correspondent. In 1941 he married Sylvia Kahn; they had two children. Irving Wallace served in the air force during world war two and later collaborated in several movies as a writer. His first book "Sins of Peter Fleming" did not attract much attention. But his second book influenced by the Kinsey report was a best seller. He has been a prolific churner of best sellers and his books have been adapted as major movies. He died on June 29, 1990.
Irving Wallace novels have graphic sex scenes and he is accused of pandering to the readers fantasies. But no one can deny his passion for issues like racism, gender equality, freedom of expression etc which reverberates even in today's world. In the Celestial bed he confronts the big “o” itself, Sex. The novel brings in the new sex therapy tool of sex surrogacy in to the limelight. Sex surrogacy is a therapy tool where the therapist treat patients with sexual problems like fear, premature ejaculation, painful intercourse by actually performing the act with the patient. Some moralist treat sex surrogacy as a form of legalized prostitution and this is the very question dealt in the Celestial Bed.



Doctor Arnold Free-burg uses the sex surrogates during the therapy sessions with his patients. He feels that this is more useful in solving sexual problems as talk therapy never works. But his clinic is vandalized and he is run out of his home state of Arizona. His lawyer friend encourages him to open a clinic in California and assures him that Californians are more accepting. So with his sex therapist Gayle miller he opens a new clinic and hires a male surrogate Paul and four other girls. They are given intensive training before handling of patients.
Soon success stories tumble out and the clinic becomes popular. Soon new patients like Nan, the local Mafia Don's girl friend who suffer from vaginismus enter the clinic. The clinic receptionist encourages her boyfriend Chet to seek help for his problem of premature ejaculation. Chet, budding journalist looking for the ultimate scoop calls a religious leader and informs him about his intention of exposing the clinic activities. He joins hands with the moralist who want to bring down Doctor Freed-burg. But soon Chet's indignation evaporates as he finds he is being cured and feels guilty for taking part int eh expose.
So does the moralist and the Mafia don who suspect his girl friend bring down the clinic? Do Gayle and Paul rise above their petty quarrels about professionalism and consummate their relationship? These are deftly handled by Wallace who electrify the reader with his view. Well my only complaint is that the book is too hot to handle and is not for teenagers. You need mental and emotional maturity to absorb the views and the language. Read it if you are above eighteen.

The Celestial bed (Published in 1987) - Written by Irving Wallace

Saturday, September 25, 2010

The Fan Club (published in 1974) by Irving Wallace

Irving Wallace was born in Chicago, to Jewish parents, Bessie and Alexander Wallace Who had Emigrated from Russia. He completed his studies in California and started out as a journalist at a tender age of 15. He studied creative writing at the Williams Institute in Berkley and from the mid-30s he worked as a free-lance correspondent. In 1941 he married Sylvia Kahn; they had two children. Irving Wallace served in the air force during world war two and later collaborated in several movies as a writer. His first book "Sins of Peter Fleming" did not attract much attention. But his second book influenced by the Kinsey report was a best seller. He has been a prolific churner of best sellers and his books have been adapted as major movies.
How far you would go if you are deeply infatuated with an eminent personality? How far would your obsession and fantasies propel your mind? Would you do murder, kidnapping, extortion and rape and justify your deviant behavior just because you are a fan? This is the questions thrown up by Irwin Wallace in The Fan Club.
The object of affection is Sharon Fields a buxom bombshell whose on screen persona has enamored millions of fans. She portrays the typical sex siren on screen where as off screen she is as reclusive and shy as the girl next door. She may be the dumb blonde on screen but in real life she she is as sharp as the needle.



But her on-screen-avatar has Adam Malone completely bewitched and he feels that he knows her completely. Wallace gives us the low down on his psyche where he fantasizes about Sharon and feels that she would love him if only she could get a chance to know him. He is a complete failure in maintaining a realistic relationship which adds to his desperation. So in the mean time he just dreams about Sharon and collects all information available.
A chance meeting with 3 other men puts forward the motion of sinister events. Kyle Shivley, a crude Vietnam Veteran has no respect and feelings for women. He gets cheap thrills by passing derogatory comments about women and never cares about a relationship. He is cunning, shrewd and cruel. Howard Yost is an insurance salesman whose is bored with his wife, job and life. Boredom pervades every aspect of his life and he indulges in sexual fantasies to get over the monotony. Leo Brunner is a timid accountant who is scared of everything in life. But he never admits to his fear and projects a sense of false bravado and try to impress women. The end result is rejection slip from the opposite sex.
So a chance meeting get these men talking in the bar about Sharon and the regurgitate all the false information planted in the media about Sharon. As the discussion grow more animated they decide to kidnap her to let her know about their love. They feel that she would understand their need and satisfy their lust. So the overt plan is set in to motion by these psycho's. Disguised as exterminators they stalk her, get to know her routine and places she frequents. So on the fateful day Sharon is waylaid in her jogging track, chloroformed and kidnapped. As she regains consciousness she confronts her kidnappers and does not submit to their advances. Adam and Co find that Sharon is nothing like her on screen persona and are pretty discouraged. But Kyle, Leo and Howard rape her with Adam as a mute bystander. But they don't count on the smart Sharon who is devastated but soon plans to escape. Does her captors get their just desserts? Find out in the Fan Club for it is an interesting story out there.

The Fan Club (published in 1974) by Irving Wallace

Monday, September 6, 2010

The Seven minutes (published in the year 1969) Written by Irving Wallace

Irving Wallace was born in Chicago, to Jewish parents,Bessie and Alexander Wallace Who had Emigrated from Russia. He completed his studies in California and started out as a journalist at a tender age of 15. He studied creative writing at the Williams Institute in Berkley and from the mid-30s he worked as a free-lance correspondent. In 1941 he married Sylvia Kahn; they had two children. Irving Wallace served in the air force during world war two and later collaborated in several movies as a writer. His first book “Sins of Peter Fleming" did not attract much attention. But his second book influenced by the Kinsey report was a best seller. He has been a prolific churner of best sellers and his books have been adapted as major movies.
The Seven Minutes was published in 1969 and has its reverberations even today. It talks about the rights of an individual vis a vis that of the society. Is an authors right to publish his opinions above than societal injunctions and whether the banning of a book tantamount to trampling of the individuals right to free speech? The book is an in-depth analysis of the famous Voltaire quote “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."



A small town teenager Jeremy Griffith buys a book which borders on pornography from Fremont, a small time publisher. Many may consider this book as an impressive literature including the protagonist, Micheal Barrett. Micheal is a brilliant attorney who has a rich girl friend who entices him to make money and a high moral compass which makes him fight for the truth. Jeremy is charged with rape of Sherry Moore who suffers a head injury and is in coma. The prosecutor Elmo Duncan who is running for office insinuates that the book enticed him to carry out the rape, and therefore runs a campaign to ban the book. He is supported by money bags Yerkes and Jeremy's father who are just looking out for patronage from a future president.
So Michael Barrett puts his career, girl friend and life on the line to defend the book. This book by J. Janeway gives insights in to a womens mind during the seven minutes of sexual intercourse. So Michael has to marshal all his resources to prove the innocence of a book. His only recourse is to find the author and her protagonist who might be real and alive. Micheal learns to find and defend the truth and ends up with the girl of his dreams.
The good thing about the book is the unique story, and a thought provoking theme packaged neatly in to a action packed best seller. The court room scenes and Micheal's dilemma's are well presented. But the bad news is that it is less on the suspense quotient. You know the villains and know they are going to bite the dust. But still a realistic, amazing and very current book and a must read for all democracies.

The Seven minutes (published in the year 1969) Written by Irving Wallace

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

The three Sirens (published in 1964) - Authored by Irving Wallace

Irving Wallace was born in Chicago, to Jewish parents,Bessie and Alexander Wallace Who had emigrated from Russia. He completed his studies in California and started out as a journalist at a tender age of 15. He studied creative writing at the Williams Institute in Berkley and from the mid-30s he worked as a free-lance correspondent. In 1941 he married Sylvia Kahn; they had two children. Irving Wallace served in the air force during world war two and later collaborated in several movies as a writer. His first book “sins of Peter Fleming did not attract much attention. But his second book influenced by the Kinsey report was abest seller. He has been a prolific churner of best sellers and his books have been adapted as major movies. He died on June 29, 1990.
The three sirens published in 1964 is a racy novel of sex and infidelities. It deals with the repressed sexuality in our modern times and civilizations and how the myth of sex implodes when it comes in contact with the free society. It also talks about sexual freedom, the gender issues and how cultures clash. It depicts the dangers for conversion of the natives by so called civilization and laments the loss of traditions and cultures lost in the name of uniformity and civilization.



Dr. Maude heads a group of anthropologists and their families who reach a remote Polynesian island to study the culture and traditions of the so called islanders. Here they reach a veritable paradise with beautiful scenery and amazing life. Here they comes across the islanders who are sexually liberated and unshackled. Sex is no longer taboo in this community of 200 odd people. Here you have husbands having frigid wives visiting sex huts, free necking and sex escapes on the beach.
So the anthropologists coming across such a free society question their own outlook on life and love. Soon many form their own agendas in their mind. Some join the natives, some try to convert them and some are just fascinated by a new study given to them. One of the daughters of the anthropologist fall in love with one of the island boys, another's son succumb to temptation and some marriages are ruined. Many indulge in their own fantasies and show the bored natives the western way of life. But these contacts bring about the ruin of the island paradise similar to the serpent which wrought the destruction of Eden.
Irving Wallace can be said as the pioneer in analyzing the sexuality reports, like the Kinsey reports for the development of his plots. But I feel that his over the top narration of the sexual interludes almost borders on porn. The book about the rights of the natives gets mired in the sexual content and conquests. It looks like a teens fantasy novel and I would not like to recommend for a mature individual. It is a western fantasy about the life described by a commune living 60's flower child. Not a shade on his other novels.

The three Sirens (published in 1964) - Authored by Irving Wallace