| This novel takes place during the Great Depression, poverty was ubiquitous and people constantly were searching for ways to become wealthy. When Morris Katz and his cousin Albert enter the University of Minnesota, their goal is to meet rich, Jewish women, have sex with them and marry them, insuring that they will be taken care of for the rest of their lives. The two young men are not brilliant thinkers, yet each has his skills: Albert is a former heavyweight with his own car (part Maytag) and Morris is a smooth talker with a cousin (Crip) who can write beautifully, erotic poetry with which to woo women.
The rest of the novel chronicles Morris' pursuit of Celeste (A.M. Zimmerman's daughter) and Bridget (a non-Jewish girl), Albert's woman troubles, and Morris' sister Libby's wedding. Other humorous moments come from the antics of Nettie and Gittle (Morris' aunts), Mr. Harwood, the freshman advisor, Sister Mary Frances, Bridget's guardian, and Jonathan, Libby's husband-to-be. | ||
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Plot & Themes Tone of book? - humorous Time/era of story - 1930's-1950's Kids growing up/acting up? Yes Ethnic/Regional/Religion Other aspects: Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Ethnic/regional/gender life Yes Age group of kid(s) in story: - college Loving/sexing? - girl chasing Main Character Gender - Male Profession/status: Age: - 20's-30's Ethnicity/Nationality Main Adversary Identity: - none Setting How much descriptions of surroundings? - 5 () United States Yes The US: - Midwest Small town? Yes Small town people: - nice, like Andy/Opie/Aunt Bee Writing Style Sex in book? Yes What kind of sex: - vague references only - descript of kissing Amount of dialog - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog |
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