Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, January 3, 1993 TAG: 9301030204
SECTION: HORIZON PAGE: F-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Staff
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
BOOKS IN BRIEF
Grace.By Howell Conant. Random House. $40.
This is a beautiful, interesting book, but once you've looked at it, what do you do with it?
The dust jacket subtitle is "An intimate portrait of Princess Grace by her friend and favorite photographer." There is no doubt here that there are many beautiful pictures of beautiful Princess Grace throughout the 160 pages. There are also many pictures of her children and Prince Rainier and their friends.
Howell Conant is described on the dust jacket as a "world-class photographer" who began his "photographic collaboration with Grace Kelly in 1955." Conant was allowed to attend many personal gatherings, official occasions and even family holidays. The collection provides not only a review of days in the life of Princess Grace but a record of the history of events during that period between 1955 and her 25th wedding anniversary in 1981 that was celebrated in Palm Springs.
For all those who thought of "the princess" as an idol, close friend or one of the family, this elegantly produced book will fill the role of personal album of memories.
- PEGGY C. DAVIS
Froggy Went A-Courtin'.
By Kevin O'Malley. Stewart, Tabori and Chang. $14.95.
Kevin O'Malley's sense of humor shines through his version of "Froggy Went A-Courtin'." Froggy is a gangster and Miss Mousie is his moll in a hilarious romp through the dark and dangerous city. He robs a bank, evades the police and marries Miss Mousie with the cool confidence of one who has much experience in the world.
O'Malley's cartoon-like illustrations give new meaning to the old Appalachian folk song. Froggy has a Clark Gable moustache. The Hollowtree is a night club. Miss Mousie invites Froggy to card and spin at the poker tables and roulette wheel. Froggy's getaway is spoiled by Officer Cat.
Definitely not the typical children's book, "Froggy Went A-Courtin' " is sure to hold the attention of the young reader and will coax a few chuckles from the older reader who appreciates O'Malley's perspective and humor. O'Malley gives Froggy a personality like no frog before him. His use of color and shadow creates just the right atmosphere for a dashing and debonair green gangster. - SARA ZEEK
Bailey's Cafe.
By Gloria Naylor. Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich. $19.95.
There was a warning before the story each week when the announcer said to walk warily because you were entering the Twilight Zone. But in those stories of psychological mystery, I don't remember seeing a black face. Gloria Naylor has created a twilight world peopled with black characters who are mysterious and clear, ephemeral yet solid, rather like the person you see first out of the corner of your eye but is somehow totally different when seen straight on.
The unnamed owner of Baily's Cafe is just trying to make a living. His personal story and how he wins the heart of the enigmatic Nadine are the first part of the novel. He and his wife run a restaurant that caters to those folks who need to live at the edge of the world. What an incredible assortment they are. The women are Sister Sadie, Eve, Sweet Esther, Jesse, Peaches, Miriam, each with a singular tale; tales so sad and rough and profoundly moving that I was in tears several times. Miss Maple may not be female, but that story is a knockout.
As in her previous book, "Mama Day," Naylor creates characters who have rich and complex inner lives. Even when they cannot change the way they react to life, they never whine about their failings. The author loves and respects her creations and I do, too. Naylor just gets better and better.
- LENI ASHMORE SORENSEN
Peggy C. Davis reviews books regularly for this page.\ Sara Zeek is a retired teacher.\ Leni Ashmore Sorensen is a graduate of the Mary Baldwin College Adult Degree program.