From Library Journal
In these 12 stories, the author of Conti nental Drift sounds a cautionary note for the 80s, writing about people who get what they want but find themselves dissatisfied to varying degrees. For in stance, the title character of "Sarah Cole: A Type of Love Story" wins the body, and perhaps even the love, of a man far more attractive than she, but not his respect. In "Firewood," the last of six stories that take Earl Painter from childhood in New Hampshire to young manhood in Florida before the 60s boom, Earl's father finally gains the freedom from love that he confuses with independence. Interspersed with this sequence are some fables and un classifiable tales that display Banks's formal range and social concerns but not much else. Both librarians and Banks's fans will want to purchase this collection, but neither should recom mend it as a place to begin reading him. Hugh M. Crane, Brockton P.L., Mass.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.