Synopsis (credit: Daniel George in The Broadsheet)

This is a sequel to Cannery Row, but it is not essential to have read the first to enjoy this volume.

It can stand alone for several reasons. One of them could be that it is the most light-hearted frolic ever indulged in by a world-famous author. Another is that there never was such a solid fantasy, a story which if the author ever missed his Midas touch would turn again to dross. Look at the characters from a narrow self-righteous point of view and they are a bunch of bone-idle n'er-do-wells, rogues, vagabonds, drunks, small-time criminals, capable and guilty of most kinds of immorality. Look at them as they appear to one another, and especially to Doc, whom they admire just this side of idolatry, and they are seen as models of magnanimous integrity.

(Bought second-hand at the CAFDA Charity Bookshop, Warwick Street, Claremont.)

The book forms part of my permanent collection.

The perfect book to have read this time of the year! Light, unique, insightful and very funny. A worthy sequel to Cannery Row. In fact, I think I enjoyed it more. It may just have to stay on my shelf for a while.

With friends like some of those described in this book, you can't go wrong. You may end up in hospital, but you can't go wrong.

Some excerpts?

The straw hat on his head had two large holes cut in the brim, proof that it had once been the property of a horse.

There are people who will say that this whole account is a lie, but a thing isn't necessarily a lie even if it didn't necessarily happen.

"How's about a date Saturday?"
"Sure! Love to."
"Is it a date?"
"Can my husband come?"
"You married?"
"I won't be if I keep that date."
"You're a swell-looking kid."
"You're kind of pretty yourself. Here's your change."
"Keep it."