Customer Reviews

Under Venus

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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Back in his Midwest hometown, Elliot Denmark, a brilliant composer and expatriate, finds himself caught up between the urgent claims of the past and the conflicting, confusingly uncertain demands of art, morality, family, and his own divided emotions. A political issues divides the town; a haunting old love reasserts itself; old and new enemies assail Elliot everywhere he turns; and along with the rest of the country, Elliot must make choices that will define the remainder of his life. Under Venus is a sophisticated, masterfully crafted, and at times unsettling novel that is as original as it is entertaining.

Intelligent & thought provoking. Peter Straub's early work is as impressive in quality as his later, more horror oriented, pieces. Class struggle & family struggles erupt, and family secrets come to light as a community goes through change, like a microcosm of America as it experienced change in the turbulent 60's.

This is one of Straub's better works. Instead of horror he focuses on the workings of a family and the relationships of one man. It really made me stop and think about what's important in my life.

Although this is not really a horror novel it's still a great work. The focus is on the family dynamics and relationships of one man, a musician returning home for a vacation and to give a concert in his local area. The characters are intriguing and mysterious. It was fun to watch Elliot come to terms with the people and events going on around him.

A great book for anyone who appreciates Straub's work. I highly recommend it.

I never expected this book to be anything but horror. I was pleasantly surprised by it. The author shows he can delve into the life and relationships of mainstream fiction without blinking an eye. Even if you don't read much mainstream you should read this one, it's a book that will make you think.

This book was SO good. I love the way the author writes. The characters and plot are so interesting. If you like Straub you should read this one.