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Book Review of All The Best People

All The Best People
reviewed on + 4 more book reviews


Though all of Wilson's books are rather dated, I enjoy the time-capsule feel of them. Most of them follow similar themes: wealthy men and women unhappy and unfulfilled with adulthood but not unfulfilled enough to give up that nice sailboat. Most of Sloan's characters come from a privileged background (much like Sloan's was I imagine). Nursemaids and cooks are very common in Sloan's world, even for a family of four.

All the Best People wasn't really any different. Lots of martinis and cigarettes are consumed while talking to shrinks and trying to figure themselves out, all the while becoming wildly successful and wealthy. I don't think Wilson could imagine characters without money.

Dana and Caroline,are not very sympathetic characters. They become rather annoying going through the same old arguments. Though life on the surface always seems rather good, Sloan's characters are forever unhappy. They should try doing without all that money and see if they enjoy life any better.

Never the less, as I said I enjoy his books, probably for exactly some of the reasons I dislike them; characters and a time which no longer exist.