Ladies of the Rachmaninoff Eyes

In a small Michigan town, the wealthy Jewish widow Etta Klein relies on her Black housekeeper Harriet Gibbs for aid, comfort, and companionship. They have a close relationship, but it is not quite a marriage. When a self-proclaimed "warlock" named Maurice LeFleur arrives, he convinces Etta and Harry that he can contact their deceased son Sargent in the afterlife. The novel is the debut of Henry Van Dyke, known for his witty and outrageous novels that blend comedy and postmodern burlesque.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2024
Publisher: McNally Jackson Books

In a quaint Michigan town nestled in the late 1950s, the widow Etta Klein, a wealthy and Jewish woman, has found solace, support, and a sense of camaraderie in the presence of her Black housekeeper, Harriet Gibbs. Their bond transcends the boundaries of friendship and approaches the realm of marriage, yet it remains distinct. Aunt Harry, as Etta affectionately refers to her, and Etta are inseparable, their relationship characterized by an absurdly unequal dynamic and a comedic codependence. Etta, forever mourning the premature passing of her beloved son, Sargent, has essentially taken on Aunt Harry's nephew, the precocious and gay seventeen-year-old Oliver, who has been raised by both women. As Oliver prepares to embark on his journey to college and navigates the advances of Etta's cook, Nella Mae, the household is unexpectedly jolted by the arrival of a self-proclaimed "warlock," Maurice LeFleur. LeFleur claims to possess the ability to communicate with Sargent in the afterlife, captivating Etta and Harry with his promises.

Ladies of the Rachmaninoff Eyes marks the remarkable debut of the extraordinary Henry Van Dyke. His witty and audacious novels evoke the sparkling, elaborate comedies of Ronald Firbank and anticipate the postmodern burlesques of Fran Ross. Within the realm of American fiction, there exists nothing quite like them. Van Dyke's writing is a testament to his unique style, blending humor, satire, and a touch of magic to create captivating narratives that leave readers in awe. Through his characters, he explores the complexities of human relationships, societal norms, and the search for meaning in a world that often defies explanation.

In the town of Michigan, a widow named Etta Klein, who was wealthy and Jewish, relied on her Black housekeeper, Harriet Gibbs, for aid, comfort, and companionship for over thirty years. Their relationship was closer than friendship but not quite marriage. They were inseparable, with a comedic codependence defining their bond. Etta was always mourning the early death of her favorite son, Sargent. To fill the void, she had almost adopted Aunt Harry's nephew, Oliver, a precocious and gay seventeen-year-old who had been raised by both women. Oliver was facing his departure to college and dealing with the advances of Etta's cook, Nella Mae, when Maurice LeFleur, a self-proclaimed "warlock," arrived in their household. LeFleur convinced Etta and Harry that he could communicate with Sargent in the afterlife, offering them hope and closure.

Ladies of the Rachmaninoff Eyes was the debut novel by Henry Van Dyke, a writer known for his witty and outrageous novels. His works drew inspiration from the sparkling comedies of Ronald Firbank and anticipated the postmodern burlesques of Fran Ross. Van Dyke's novels are unique in American fiction, with their intricate storylines, memorable characters, and bold humor. His writing style is a blend of satire, humor, and a touch of magic, creating captivating narratives that leave readers in awe. Through his characters, Van Dyke explores the complexities of human relationships, societal norms, and the search for meaning in a world that often defies explanation.

In conclusion, Ladies of the Rachmaninoff Eyes by Henry Van Dyke is a remarkable debut novel that showcases the extraordinary talent of its author. Through its witty and outrageous narrative, Van Dyke explores the complexities of human relationships, societal norms, and the search for meaning in a world that often defies explanation. His unique writing style blends humor, satire, and a touch of magic, creating captivating narratives that leave readers in awe. Ladies of the Rachmaninoff Eyes is a testament to the power of literature to transport readers to new worlds, evoke emotions, and leave a lasting impact.

Dimension: 216 x 127 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781946022882