Customer Reviews

The Case of Lucy Bending

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Just have to defend this book, which I have read many times and still think achieves a lot in terms of characterization and plot for a trashy mass market novel. It does indeed involve a variety of disturbing subject matter, and some involves children (though Sanders clearly does not condone it). But it is not soft-core porn, for goodness' sake. It uses sex to keep your attention...what an unusual concept!! ... Also I love all the discussion of their business deals and speculation about the looming "home video" market. Lots going on here, something for everyone.

This book is one of Sanders' better ones. It takes place in South Florida (where Sanders' lived) with a host of interesting characters. It has something for everyone: Sex, drugs, murder and everything else except rock n roll. This book was published in 1982 with some very insightful observations about the society in which we live in and it still rings true today.

Any of Sander's books are enjoyable, yet in The Case of Lucy Bending Sanders spins a tale that you literally live within while reading. You'll forget that you're not within the story. The story twists and turns and the ending is one that no one could have predicted. Any book by Lawrence Sanders is one you'll enjoy again and again!

I first read this book about 10 years ago and, to this very day, when I am asked what book I would recommend as a suspenseful and dramatic read, The Case of Lucy Bending is the first thought to materialize on my lips. In my opinion, along with Lawrence Sanders' "The Third Deadly Sin", it is one of the most thrilling and captivating books I've ever read - and I've read many! It touches on situations that society would like to ignore or brush under a rug - even in this day - but are undeniably happening.

The Case of Lucy Bending is not for the faint of heart. It is a brazen tale of a little girl who is dealing with issues no young person should be exposed to. It is not a 'dark' read by any means; there are many comical moments throughout the book and heartfelt ones as well. It will leave a definite impression with you. One you will never forget.

I admire Sanders for taking on subject matter which is considered taboo by most of society. Soft porn by itself would be a challenge to write about, but no Sanders does not stop here. He goes on to abnormal sexual behavior by a precocious 8-year-old child. The only objection I have is that the adults seem very naive or live in a fog (maybe too much alcohol) and not really concerned about their children's behavior and whereabouts. Of course Sanders did this on purpose as part of their characterization. He is very good at describing the settings in Florida and also his characters are never boring -- full of color and in some cases rough around the edges. I think this is definitely one of his better books and highly recommend this. The dialog is somewhat coarse and full of profanity as befits his South Florida characters. The only conservative and morally proper one is probably William Jasper Holloway who is from Boston and a transplant to South Florida. Many times he makes it very clear that he loathes living there and how did he ever get there in the first place.

I look forward to reading other Sanders books.

If you're only going to read one book from Lawrence Sanders, read this one! It is absolutely shocking but so well written and so cleverly plotted that you will never quite realize what you just read!! It's scandalous but all-wrapped up in a neat and unique style. Sanders could be unpredictable and wasn't always on the mark but this one is an all-time classic.

This is a ludicrous cardboard account of psychiatric practice and of people who need psychiatric help. It seems as though the author gathered elsewhere a few short threads of fact, took them home and twisted them into personal pretzel shapes of mild soft porn. Definitely, a little learning is a dangerous thing and the archaic postulation of "penis envy" made me hoot. The narcissic adults were as unconvincing as paper dolls. Some of the material involving children actually seemed uncomfortably like the author's indulgence in private fantasy you hope he doesn't take beyond the printed page. It was hard to reconcile the author's self important tone with this immature and improbable story. Or maybe not. I was stuck in a place with absolutely nothing else to read. Zero stars.

Very weird story and writing. Look like a twisted Sanders

This book is about a young girl who is not sexually normal. Her psychiatrist doesn't even seem normal. Her whole family seems abnormal. I think this book is sick. I do not recommend it.

This disgusting story about a seductive 8-year-old nymphet and her psychiatrist is truly abominable. The girl fondles men, knows the fine art of kissing and adult subtleties. She has an older brother who is a brainless satyr; a middle school brother who is neurotic, miserable and confused about his own sexuality; a younger brother who is a genius, a barely mentioned mother and a father who keeps feelings at bay with jokes and sexual quips. Her brother Eddy is something like this. He uses people, males and females sexually and for profit. He becomes the "boy toy" of a summer woman who finally drops him; he flaunts his sexuality by wearing skimpy clothing and relating everything to sex.

This book has nobody in it you can like and the story is really soft core porn. It is not about loving, healthy, normal sexuality. Even Lucy's psychiatrist seems somewhat of a pedophile. This book is a big waste. The warning label that should accompany it should warn people not to waste their time or money.

Don't read it.