Parker (1893-1967) wrote stories with a tough, unsentimental, acerbic tone that satirized the social condition that leaves women economically dependent on men. Targeting the upper class and their pretensions, she tells of husbands and wives with nothing to say to each other and lives with no serious purpose except to attend the next party. This collection includes seven of her better-known works, including "Big Blonde," an account of a woman's decline into alcoholism and despair that netted Parker the O. Henry Award in 1929. Seen from a 1990s feminist perspective, Parker's work seems a bit dated, her women so dependent and superficial, her men so despicable. Yet, besides bearing witness to how far gender relations have progressed, the stories can be admired for their poignancy, wit, and clever dialog. Elaine Stritch reads convincingly, especially when portraying upper-class matrons. The tape quality is excellent. Recommended for general collections.?Nancy Paul, Brandon P.L., Wis.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From AudioFile
Elaine Stritch--TV's first Alice Cramden; show-stopping, hard-living Manhattanite in Sondheim's company; Emmy winner; droll BBC comedienne--seems an ideal interpreter of these wry, witty Parker tales. Indeed, one hears understanding, relish, irony and drama in her distinctive whiskey voice. She lacks the light touch and impeccable timing of Shirley Booth's classic Parker recordings. Booth emphasized humor; Stritch, the poignance underlying the author's veneer of glib urbanity. Y.R. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine
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