Customer Reviews

Turnabout

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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I discovered this book decades ago in an old steamer trunk that belonged to my wife's late aunt. I was surprised to find it so hilarious since I had never heard of Thorne Smith. When I later found out he had authored "Topper", I understood. I could hardly put it down because it kept me wondering what disaster would next befall Tim - or should I say Sally? Read it! You will understand.

Also, to Catherine: Turnabout was made into a movie in 1940. I've yet to see it, but I've read some good reviews about it.

I first found this book when I was fifteen and have read it now at least fifty times. The characters and events still bring tears of laughter to my eyes. I've wished for a very long time that this could be made into a movie so more people could share Thorne Smith's vision. It is an intelligent read and a wonderful look at urban life in the late 20's. Block out some time and prepare to laugh out loud.

Turnabout by Thorne Smith is a wonderful combination that celebrates the raucus hedonism of the 1920's and derides the hypocrasy of puritanical prohibition. It is the love story of a couple not in love that rediscover their love again once they trade places (literally and hilariously!). Through the devises of the mysterious "Mr. Ram" and local neighbors they set about creating a riot throughout their small town. It is a book I highly recommend. Anyone interested in humor, sex, and challenging authority should check it out.

The 1920's through the eyes of a husband and wife who switch bodies with each other. While some of the gags are a bit dated, it was interesting to view male/female attitudes of that era. What would you do if you swapped bodies with someone of the opposite gender here in 1999? I know what I would do.

Read this fantasy on several levels. Mr. Smith is a wordsmith able to delight while commenting on the human condition. It is especially refreshing to draw comparisons with the 20's and today.

Humor is often misused, but in a master's hand, it can be the best tool to push a point. Here Thorne Smith helps us see marriage in a different light.

In Turnabout, Sally and Tim Willows revolt against the constrictions of their marriage. Sally wants romance and a job; Tim wants to be in the nude and wiggle his toes. It takes the intervention of an annoyed statue, Mr. Ram, who switches their bodies, to resolve these 'irreconciable differences'.

The novel is a brisk read, magnetically holding the attention to the last page. The hopelessness of the first chapter is conveyed colorfully, introducing us to the hilarious plot. Smith pours out wry double entendres, "one does not play with fire here, one actually uses it," and dry quips, "...then proceeded to give a loquacious dissertation on the virtues of brevity."

There are some lessons to be learned here, mind you, like getting to be in a person's shoe to feel his pain, but even without them, Turnabout can be read for its sheer fun with words. This is my first Thorne Smith read; it will be definitely not be my last.