A Perfect Hoax (Hesperus Classics)

Description

Review '... a wonderful comedy where the resourcefulness of the vain and creative mind is aided by a variety of unlikely circumstances in its desperate effort to reconstruct self-esteem and serenity' --Tim Parks Synopsis Influenced by the rise of the science of psychology and the turmoil of the early twentieth century, A Perfect Hoax is an ironic and affectionate story of illusion, self-deception and impracticality in a practical world. Mario Samigli is in his seventies; he has all but given up his cherished aspirations as a writer and smiles at the world through his one remaining literary outlet - fables. When a travelling salesman with a taste for practical jokes persuades him that a Viennese publishing company wants to translate his early failed novel, Mario is caught in a fantasy of success and fame, and neglects his beloved invalid brother. A Perfect Hoax follows the elaborate prank as it escalates, forcing Mario blindly down a road that can only lead to disappointment. See all Product description