Under Venus

by Peter Straub

Book Overview

America in the late 1960s -- a turbulent sea of change. Most Americans find themselves buffeted by winds of turmoil or swept away in the currents of destiny, and history. And Elliot Denmark, brilliant... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425070336
• ISBN13: 9780425070338
• Release Date: February 1985
• Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
• Length: 289 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A novel that is as original as it is entertaining

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.

A Thought-Provoking Novel

This is one of Straub's better works. It's not horror but it does touch on the emotional horror of relationships and families. It's really well done, one of those plots that makes you stop and think. What's really important in your life? If you like the author's other books you'll like this one.

Straub's literary masterpiece

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.

Great Book

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.

A Must Read!

I love Peter Straub and this book only demonstrates his early talent. It's not really horror but it's still Straub at his best. The characters and plot are very complex and the prose is energetic and just pulls you along. I loved the way the family dynamics were played out and the way the characters were presented. If you haven't read this early book by Straub you're really missing out!