All the lonely people - Hardcover

Bowskill, Derek

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0672520001 ISBN 13: 9780672520006

Publisher: Bobbs-Merrill, 1973

Synopsis

A former instructor of ""theater training techniques"" looks at the organizations that give some measure of hope to the Eleanor Rigbys in this country and Britain. Posing as a fellow lonely-heart, Bowskill infiltrated the agencies, the marriage bureaus, the pen clubs, the dating services, the singles' parties, and investigated the personal columns and the contact magazines. Most, he discovered, are either out-and-out-frauds (often fronts for prostitutes), or manipulative, guru-dominated coteries. Patrons are often emotionally barricaded and one-dimensional -- unable to establish even a simple conversational rapport with anyone. It makes a depressing -- but fascinating -- inquiry. The difficulties, however, are patent. Bowskill exudes an annoying holier-than-thou aura ("". . .the attitude to life and other people was one of preventing self-disclosure. Such an attitude is totally at odds with my own.""); his exposition is largely pronominal, leaving the reader utterly confused as to what, or who, he is talking about. He carries his research to absurd lengths, spending $30 to buy Judy, a life-sized plastic doll, introducing her to his friends and strangers to find out their reaction (he seems to be perfectly serious and scientific about it). One suspects that perhaps Bowskill is a stay-at-home himself -- in extrovert's clothing.

About this edition

• Publisher: Bobbs-Merrill
• Publication date: 1973
• ISBN 10: 0672520001
• ISBN 13: 9780672520006
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 153