LOVE IN A DRY SEASON

In a series of clever plot twists, Shelby Foote weaves together the lives of Jeff and Amy Carruthers, Major Barcroft, his two repressed daughters, and ne’er-do-well gigolo Harley Drew. Drew romances plain, dull Amanda Barcroft. The Major, recognizing him as a fortune hunter, denies Amanda permission to marry. Next, Drew insinuates himself into Jeff and Amy’s life--and finds himself dangerously outmatched. With impeccable detail, Foote delves into the moral decay of the American moneyed class. Tom Parker’s performance lends an amused presence to Foote’s scenario. Parker precisely captures Jeff and Amy’s pretense of virtue, the Major’s disdain for those he considers below him, and the fading values of the next and future generations. Shelby Foote’s consummate writing skill and Parker’s grasp of innuendo make this collection of disagreeable characters palatable. S.J.H. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 03]