I last read this novel (several times!) in the mid-'70s after my mother recommended it to me. She described it as a funny look at the swinging singles of Manhattan. At that time, I was an English teacher who lived not far from the NYC scene, so when I first read Crazy Ladies I did so with a professional eye for characterization, plot development, theme, symbolism, and quality of writing. Elbert scores high in all those areas. I was a single woman when the novel appeared, so I can verify the accuracy of Elbert's depiction of the culture and mood of the era. Best of all, this novel is hilarious! I still laugh when I remember the first character introduced and her reflections on the trademark portrait of Queen Victoria on Bombay Gin bottles. Do yourself a favor and read this novel if only to discover the funny yet poignant meaning of the line - "Sex says 'good-bye'" - which are the last words of a dying man. As many times as I read the novel in the '70s, it always was fresh and amusing. Even thirtysome years later, I smile recalling the effervescent and delightful people, their problems, and their passions in this novel. Take this trip back in time and laugh away all of the stresses of the early 21st century!
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