Darcys Utopia [Hardcover]

Fay Weldon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 20, 1990

A provocative view of modern society weaved into a tale of explosive love and, perhaps, even, black magic. Scandalous Eleanor Darcy, wild young wife of a world-famous economist, sketches her vision of Utopia to two journalists, Hugo Vansitart and Valarie Jones. In glorious detail, she describes an earthly paradise of peace, love and technological progress where sex is plentiful and money does not exist. Such is Eleanor's charisma that, to their own astonishment, Hugo and Valerie abandon their families and set up home together om a Holiday Inn.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

"What is this thing called love," asks Weldon's latest flaky/wise heroine in the first sentence of this idiosyncratic exploration of economics, politics and spirituality in the Western world. Eleanor Darcy, a national figure whose economist husband was recently jailed for misuse of public funds, is being interviewed by Hugo Vansitart and Valerie Jones, two journalists who have fallen in love, precipitously, upon the eve of their respective assignments. "In Darcy's Utopia. . . " Eleanor declares continually as she describes for each writer her--or her husband's--vision of a world uncomplicated by either rules, monetary systems or families. Born to a teenager (whose mother eventually married Eleanor's father) and originally named Apricot, becoming Ellen when she wed her first husband, Eleanor has embraced Roman Catholicism and Marxism before grabbing onto utopianism. Meanwhile, Valerie and Hugo, living in a Holiday Inn, cope with the families they have left in response to their shared passion, which Weldon slyly suggests may have originated with the Devil. Although amorphous and inconclusive, the latest satire from the author of The Cloning of Joanna May is ambitious, provocative and unremittingly entertaining.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

On the eve of interviewing the fabulous and elusive Eleanor Darcy, journalists Valerie and Hugo meet and shack up in a hotel on the dubious strength of Hugo's credit card. As Eleanor (nee Apricot Smith) expounds her utopian plans for religion, education, sex, and money, their spontaneous passion changes course. Weldon mingles tart social commentary and political satire in a novel that is both somber and very funny. The question and answer format is awkward, however; and the humor is very British. Weldon is the author of plays, nonfiction, and such novels as The Life and Loves of a She-devil. Buy this one where there is demand. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 11/1/90.
- Maurice Taylor, Brunswick Cty. Lib., Southport, N.C.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Harpercollins Uk (September 20, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0002233509
• ISBN-13: 978-0002233507
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,700,154 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Darcy's Utopia is a very provoking book!, October 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Darcy's Utopia (Paperback)

I personally think that Darcy's Utopia is a very provoking book. It is very witty and humourful!