From the Lists: #22 Appointment in Samarrra

It's all fun and games until someone gets hit in the face with a cocktail.

Appointment in Samarra (1934) by John O'Hara is another one of those prohibition-era novels in which liquor flows as if there were no restrictions on its sale. It seems that if you knew the right person and had enough money, obtaining a case of your favorite holiday spirit was as simple as picking up the phone and calling your local gangster.

In a nutshell this novel is about the dissolution of Julian and Caroline English's marriage over the course of a few days. Julian and his wife are among the social elite of their small community - or they were until a drunken Julian throws his drink in the face of the town's richest man. Had it not occurred during the country club's annual Christmas party, in front of their mutual friends, Julian may have been able to apologize the next day and moved on with his life; however, that would not make for a very interesting novel. Instead, Julian and Caroline's relationship descends into arguments, blatant infidelity, and liquor fueled arguments culminating in Julian's suicide three days later. (Sorry for the spoiler, but the book's first page pretty much gives is away.)

Hemingway, Sherman Billingsley, and John O'Hara

Although I had never heard of this novel, once I started reading it, I could not put it down. The writing is among the best examples of straightforward modernist literature of the time, not surprising considering the author's chummy relationship with some of the period's heavy-hitters. Even though O'Hara does not pull any punches, his writing does not get in the way of the story. He effortlessly moves between characters and settings as if they are from his own memories. The world he creates is completely believable, which makes Julian's breakdown all the more painful. While reading this novel, I often felt as if I was watching one of those reality shows where you know a person is headed for big trouble, but you are powerless to help them or to turn away from the screen (such as the Anna Nicole Show).

Despite the brilliant writing and story telling, Appointment in Samarra was not well received when it was first published. It seems the critics got so distracted by married men and women having sex with each other - and enjoying it, that they missed all the other goodies. Of course, the entire first chapter describes a middle class couple enjoying conjugal pleasures. And, if that was not bad enough, they are doing it on CHRISTMAS MORNING!!!!!  Apparently organized crime, indiscriminate drinking, lesbianism, shrewish wives and the infidelities of the main character paled in comparison to this act of sacrilege. As a result Appointment was originally dismissed as low-brow smut. Happily for me and other readers, O'Hara's work survived the witheringly prudish attacks of 1934 critics. In the critics' defense, it is somewhat surprising at how blatantly / casually O'Hara addresses sexuality and relationships.

Recommendation: Not a happily-ever-after novel, not a vampire or zombie in sight, but could be a great summer read.

Next up: #21 Henderson the Rain King