The Gypsy Storyteller

Satire, mystery, and romance blend when two suburban New Jersey friends--Mac, an introverted follower, and the charismatic but manipulative Daniel--meet Rachel, a powerful and beautiful woman, whose presence leads to unexpected struggles in their friendship. 15,000 first printing.

In his second novel, Simpson (This Way Madness Lies, 1991) ventures afield from suburban New Jersey into a world of blood- lusts and revenge that spans two generations and several continents. Matthew Chandler, the thirtysomething Manhattan lawyer who narrates the tale, tells us right at the start what the problem is: ``See, there's this woman. Good God, there's always a woman.'' In this case, the woman is Rachel, a blind artist whom Matthew has known since his schooldays and whom he shares (unhappily) with his best friend, Daniel Hawthorn. Daniel is a hybrid, sort of a cross between Owen Meany and Rasputin: half-WASP and half-Gypsy, he ranks in most of the world's tennis tournaments and hunts down Nazis in his spare time. He also manages to seduce Rachel as an afterthought, and nearly kills her in a traffic accident that leaves her sightless. Meanwhile, Matthew, who seems to have turned hatred of his suburban parents into a full-time job, finds a way to make room for Daniel and satisfies his resentments once and for all at the close. The Weldonesque tones of the narration here, full of asides and digressions, become something of a nuisance after a while--especially as they come from a character who seems to have formed no opinions or tastes whatsoever (apart from a loathing for his family)--although the story is decently paced and nuanced, and the character of Daniel is nicely drawn. A good read, with a few surprises: Simpson seems to be getting the hang of it. -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Daniel, the "Gypsy storyteller" of the title, is a bold and charismatic youth who enchants companions with his stories and exploits. His friend Mac, born six hours after Daniel in the same hospital, walks behind Daniel from childhood on, envious but dependent on him for excitement and direction. As an adult, Mac bows to his father's wishes and enters the family law firm, though he shows neither aptitude for the job nor pleasure in his choice. Daniel lives free, as tennis bum, street magician, and (following in his father's footsteps) Nazi hunter. When Rachel appears, to become lover and companion to both, their friendship is fatally poisoned. Mac plans revenge against Daniel for imagined wrongs but changes his mind too late: death closes the rivalry for good. An exceptional book about the complicated, explosive relationship of three highly engaging human beings. Enthusiastically recommended. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 11/15/92.
- David Keymer, California State Univ. at Stanislaus, Turlock
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.