‘SCRUPLES’, INTERRUPTED

I got upset the other day over something people would certainly call trivial. The cover of my precious SCRUPLES tore itself off almost completely from its spine during one of my re-readings. I’m afraid to open the novel now. It’s the 1978 mass market paperback Warner Books edition, the one with the inside front cover featuring the blurbs; and on the inside back cover, the full-colored image of the author. You can say I’m all inconsolable about this. I’ve always tried taking good care of the novel, never bending it too much, always using a book cover to keep it neat and clean. But I guess time rendered it fragile and in the end it just gave up. I would gladly show it to you but I’m afraid it will tear off completely if I scan it. So here’s a scan of a beat up paperback Spanish edition of SCRUPLES instead. Sure, I could always use Scotch Tape to strengthen the cover but it’s not the same as it being undamaged, is it? 

So the next best thing is to find myself another mint copy. Easier said than done, I quickly realized. With the disappearance of local used book stores and the hard-to-find tag attached to the book it is almost impossible to find it unless I pay big bucks online which I refuse to do. I did pick up a copy recently but without the inside back cover and author photo. It is not the same, I agree, but it is far better than owning nothing. That is until I get my hands on a real replacement.  

Then again, maybe I won’t. Maybe it’s the book’s way of telling me that we must part, it and I, for I did blast it a little while ago, mainly for its homophobic content which I more or less retracted later on in another post. Nonetheless karma did find a way to reach me. Still, I refuse to give any credence to that. I adore SCRUPLES too much despite its obvious flaws. So I’ll hold on to my hopes of being reacquainted with it. When will that be exactly? I have no clue yet. But mark my words, it will happen, or my middle name isn’t trash guru after all.

Until next post—Martin 

  

‘SCRUPLES TWO’ BY JUDITH KRANTZ

Tackling the sequel to ‘70s classic SCRUPLES seemed the right decision last summer. Sun, surf, sex, plus a good trashy novel to boost—what more can a gay guy need? Besides, I’ve always wondered what the heck happened to all of those lovable characters Judith Krantz so stylishly put on paper that many years ago. Yeah, I know, the last time I talked about that book I put a gay mafia hit on it on account of its many homosexual gibes. But I have turned a new leaf since then. Call it maturing, call it not taking things so seriously, call it whatever you like, but something happened to me these last couple of months. Life seems less combative—which brings me back to SCRUPLES TWO (1993, Bantam). Well, not really. If I really wanted to enjoy that sequel I needed to go back to where it all started. So yes, I did re-read SCRUPLES and you know what? The gay thing in it wasn’t as intense as I remembered it to be. As a matter of fact, it was kind of tame and silly, and to be really honest, true to life in parts. But more importantly, I enjoyed the novel so much that I couldn’t wait to jump right into its sequel. By the way you’ll be glad to know that there are few gay-subtexts in this one except for the recurrence of a secondary character. 

In fact, the whole gang is back: Billie, Valentine, Spider, even fucked up Melanie who makes a cameo. But there are new faces as well, most noticeably Gigi who is Vito’s teenage kid and who wins Billie’s heart even though Billie’s marriage to Vito is on the rocks. Yes, what you thought would be forever is actually over in less than fifty pages.  Other worthy mentions: unsuspected deaths, unsuspected hook ups but most importantly unsuspected impressiveness at the narrative. I guess it shouldn’t have come as a surprise since Krantz has always been a solid writer. But just like her fictitious store, which takes a beating in SCRUPLES TWO only to be rejuvenated later on, I just wasn’t ready for the flowing and seduction of it all.   

I wish I could say the same in regards to the overall story which despite some well-meaning plot twists often ends up verging on predictability. In fact, the whole kit and caboodle is kind of lame compared to its prequel.  Oh, the author tries her best to put some spunk into her tale but the overall result just doesn’t cut it as much. Take Billie’s double-life in Paris, for example, it certainly was an interesting idea, especially the psychological aspect of it (you know, a woman hiding her true identity for the love of a man) but, again, I feel the author missed the mark in developing any kind of real depth behind the character’s motive, making Billie come across as an insecure, egocentric, whiny know-it-all instead of a fully-realized heroine. Yes, I am aware SCRUPLES TWO is light reading but if New-York Times best-selling author Elizabeth Gage can extend on the psyche of her characters and still be able to deliver the goods I’m sure others like Miss Krantz here can do so as well. Still, I say read SCRUPLES TWO, if you’re a fan of the first one. Just don’t expect to be wowed by it. I have no idea if I’ll ever pick up LOVERS, the next chapter in the SCRUPLES trilogy. If I ever do, you’ll be the first to know.  

Until next post—Martin 

‘PRINCESS DAISY’ BY JUDITH KRANTZ

This week’s blog entry is dedicated yet again to the oeuvre of Judith Krantz, most specifically to PRINCESS DAISY, one of my favorite novels of hers. I was supposed to scrap anything regarding this author on account of the many homophobic references inserted in SCRUPLES. But the big trashy junkie that I am just couldn’t stay away. And truth be told, I’m glad I didn’t, for Judith Krantz is more than a bigot writer. She’s also one heck of a trashy storyteller. She knows how to lure her readers just the right way with her tales of the rich and the rotten, and PRINCESS DAISY is the perfect example. 

Princess Margaret Alexandrovna Valensky has it all: loving parents, a title preceding her name and money that grows on trees—until tragedy strikes. Before you can say, oh here we go again, Daisy's charmed life is turned upside down when she is forced to face a painful past and an unsure future. And what a future it is, filled with beautiful people, royal settings, designer clothes and plenty of sex.  Suffice to say, PRINCESS DAISY is one hot read. Krantz creates an exciting bunch of characters; unidimensional, perhaps, but fun as they go at it without any filter just to get a piece of the happy pie. Yes, the author may spread it thick on the over-the-top scale, but who cares. The novel works, and that’s what’s important. It is as grand and as sinful as those secrets her heroine so desperately wants to hide. So go on, do as I did, forget about SCRUPLES and indulge in this one, for PRINCESS DAISY sure is classy stuff in escapism fiction. 

As you can see, re-reading this novel wasn’t as strenuous as I thought it would be. Sure, one of the antagonists is a sick and twisted individual who of course has homosexual tendencies, but this offensive depiction didn’t bother me as I thought it would this time around. Maybe the trick is to develop a thicker skin. Or to simply realize that villains in over-the-top novels are just as harmless as their creators if you don’t take them too seriously. Besides, the novel is from another era. I’d like to believe that people, including writers like Judith Krantz, have slackened on some of their beliefs since then. But with the re-enforcing of backlash toward minorities since Trump has been elected the next president, however, I may just end up eating my words.

Until next post—Martin

US Hardcover

JUDITH KRANTZ’S ‘SCRUPLES’ VS THE GAY MAFIA

 

I’ve been comparing many novels to SCRUPLES and yet still no post featuring that title. I think it’s time to remedy the situation, so here it goes. The first time I came across SCRUPLES was in the mid-‘80s, not long after my involvement with HOLLYWOOD WIVES. I wanted to read another gem about Tinseltown and critics raved about Judith Krantz’s first novel. I had high hopes it was going to be as gripping as the Jackie Collins classic and it was but on a different level.  SCRUPLES introduced me to classy trash. Before Krantz, we had authors like Susann, Robbins, Sheldon, even Collins, whose main goal was to shock rather than entice. But it took Krantz’s talent to raise the bar and what followed was a bunch of well-written oeuvres that may not have existed had Krantz not paved the way. Anyway, to make a long story short, I recently re-read the thing just so I could acclimate myself to her world before embarking on her many sequels. At first it was all lovey dovey between the novel and I.  I was so happy being reunited with boutique owner Wilhelmina ‘Billie’ Winthrop, photographer and ladies’ man Spider, and spunky fashion designer Valentine. But as I got further into their storylines something unexpected happened, something that completely passed me by the first time around: underneath all that glam existed a kind of a homophobic novel.  

First and foremost let me say this: I don’t mind when a gay character turns out to be unsympathetic in print because it’s true, some of us do tend to be bitchy; as any other person can be. What I don’t enjoy, however, is when an author takes the opportunity to downgrade homosexuals in his or her own work, like choosing derogatory words to describe them for instance. And Ms. Krantz uses them quite often in SCRUPLES, when she’s not busy putting a negative spin on their lifestyles. Indeed, many chapters are devoted to their wicked ways which, I admit, can be fun if taken with a grain of salt. But the problem I have with this is that she makes it seem like we’re all one and the same, that we are all cheaters, manipulators, distrustful... 

Oh don’t get me wrong, I realize that the novel is from a different era and that her lack of fondness for a certain type was far from being uncommon, but this fixation of hers is a bit cray cray, if you ask me; the clichés are everywhere, from a queenie fashion designer who gets off on verbal abuse and sexual stimulation in rest rooms, to a closeted lesbian agent who hates the very thought of a masculine presence. Not to mention the many cracks regarding one’s position in the fashion industry. Krantz never stops. So much so that I had to take an urgent breather and read something else just to get my mind out of her gutter.  I did manage to finish the novel and I did enjoy it… to a certain degree. But I would be lying if I said all these unnecessary jibes didn’t bother me.  

Now for the big question: would I still recommend SCRUPLES knowing what I know now? Probably, but it would come with a warning, like this written piece, for instance. That being said, I hope I did not turn some of you too much away from this novel, for it does sparkle underneath that nastiness. But it would have been unfair of me to sweep those remarks under the carpet and declare the novel just cookie and cakes. Besides, forewarned is forearmed, right?

  

Until next post—Martin

 

 

'MISTRAL'S DAUGHTER' BY JUDITH KRANTZ

OK, let me start this review by saying that of course I adore big family-oriented sagas with many sins and oh-so many secrets. I'm always the first in line when any book resembling what is already mentioned comes out. So imagine my joy when picking up (thirty odd years later, mind you) the paperback edition of MISTRAL'S DAUGHTER by the lady of all lady writers, Judith Krantz.  The Judith Krantz who has made PRINCESS DAISY such a fun and addictive read. Not to mention the classic of all classics, SCRUPLES. Two great books which deserved all of their mega-successes. 

Well, dear readers, I guess the saying three's a crowd is true, for Krantz's third novel may have been another smash to many eyes, but not so much to yours truly. Don't get me wrong, all the melodrama is in there: the innocent yet bold heroine, the manipulative and abusive foe, the temperamental but loving hero, steamy steamy love scenes galore... well, you get my drift.

Despite those pluses, somehow Krantz failed to capture the essence of her first two novels. The desire, the need to tell a great story behind the glitz and glamour is there yet missing. It's as if a wall has been built up between Krantz's talent and deadline, and her need to stay on automatic pilot was her safest bet.

Indeed, in her third outing originality is out the door and replaced by a paint-by-the-numbers plot and tiresome descriptions of sceneries and cathedrals. Yes, Mistral is a painter and Krantz tries her best to be true to him, but the line between reality and fiction can only be saved by editing and, alas, in Mistral's Daughter, editing is in constant need.

That said, the novel is still better than many releases out there. Judith Krantz is at her best when she lets her imagination run wild, and there are parts in Mistral's that are pure Krantz. The bowl of fruit scene, for instance, where Maggie, dressed in nothing but painted fruits, struts her stuff (in pre-second World War II) for all the world to see. Krantz can easily make the unbelievable believable. Plus any scenes involving the character of evil Kate is pure delight. The last one in which she discovers she will no longer be needed is so perfectly told I was enthralled by Krantz's talent as a writer. If only these sparks of ingenuity could have been constant, MISTRAL'S DAUGHTER would have been another hit in my eyes as well.

Until next post—Martin



US hardcover

'DAZZLE' BY JUDITH KRANTZ

The very first time I started Judith Krantz’s DAZZLE I got mocked by a co-worker of mine.  It was in the late ‘90s and I was working night shift—not by choice, mind you—and the second I took the day-glo yellow paperback out of my backpack, she blurted out a big: “But this is women’s fiction...”  Meaning I couldn’t possibly be reading this shit. Moi, a guy.   I wish I could say that I told her to fuck off with her prejudices but I didn’t.  I just remember mumbling something very awkward while putting the book aside.  I also remember feeling the heat rising up my face as I tried my best not to let it get to me.  Of course I failed big time.  Here I was being ridiculed because of my reading choices and it didn’t suit me at all.  I never touched that novel that night.   In fact, I got rid of it afterwards, unread.  I bought it back a few years later but it took me almost two decades to get back to it. Which brings me to this review. 

After charming us with titles such as SCRUPLES, PRINCESS DAISY and MISTRAL’S DAUGHTER, Judith Krantz definitely hit a wall.  As grand as she wants DAZZLE to be, it fizzles out rather quickly. Oh, she tries hard to glamourize us with colorful characters, opulent settings and a rich narrative but the overall effect has a deep sense of déjà vu (from her earlier work and other novels on the market) that ultimately verges on boredom.  Not that the book is a flat out dud.  There are moments of pure joy notably when the heroine’s former stepmom and power antagonist Lydie Kilkullen steps in.  She is one cold beotch, let me tell you.  She makes Cinderella’s wicked stepmother a sweetheart.  In fact, DAZZLE is a hearty knock off of the Charles Perrault classic story (complete with the two self-centered, manipulative stepsisters).  The only thing missing is the prince that got away.  On second thought, we got that one too.  Only he’s a ranch hand and he’s as clumsy and as bland as the novel itself.

Now the plot:  DAZZLE is the surname of the heroine (nee Juanita Isabella) and to her father’s eyes she is Miss Little Perfect. To me, however, she’s just a pain in the ass; sassy, beautiful, successful as a photographer to the stars perhaps but still oh-so stupid when it comes to the opposite sex.  As much as the author wants to make her likable with pages after pages of situations and hardships it never reaches that end, even when Dazzle’s old man croaks leaving her the ranch and part of the land.  Of course she ends up fighting tooth and nails her siblings (and stepmom) who want to sell the land for condos.  Anyway, to make a long story short, good prevails over evil as in any good sleazy novel should but it hardly matters since no one really cares up to that point. 

The thing I hated most about DAZZLE is the feeling of having been cheated.  Here I was thinking I was investing my time with a sure bet when the end result was nothing but.  Despite this realization, I still have respect for this author. The reason is simple: like Susann or Collins before her, she paved the way for other big names (such as Gould, Conran, Vincenzi).  She made the genre much more accessible and I respect her for that.  Now about those flashy covers.  I know it’s asking for a lot since I’m not included in the targeted demographics but can we butch them up or something?  It would make my life so much easier. Though on the other hand I could just buy myself a book cover or download novels whenever possible on my Kindle and that’ll be the end of that problem.  Or I could just say fuck them all and still go at it commando.

  

Until next post—Martin

JUDITH KRANTZ—IN HER OWN WORDS

Here’s an interesting discovery.  While surfing the Internet I came upon this handwritten note explaining some of the reasons why author Judith Krantz quit the publishing business.  Inscribed in her 1996 best-selling book SPRING COLLECTION to someone she obviously knows it goes on saying “I’d had enough of living alone with a computer all day.”  Here’s the full text:

 

“September 17, 2005

Dear Michael’s family,

This book was lost in a past secretary’s office for three years! I discovered it yesterday with horror –you must have thought I’d disappeared. I’m always delightful to hear from you—especially since you write suck kind letters.

My husband, family and I are well and working.  I quit writing five years ago— I’d had enough of living alone with a computer all day—and since then I’ve been going to art classes and learning something entirely new! P. 123 “’Besides, I was still in the mood to dance, damn it!’” With my best regards—Judith Krantz”

 

I’ve always wondered why she wasn’t writing anymore.  Now I know.  And so do you.

 

 

Until next post—Martin

 

UPDATE:  Turns out it was an eBay auction of a person who had been in contact with the author and who was sent the hardcover back three years later after asking for a personal inscription.  He or she asked $45 for it online and it never sold.

ANOTHER UPDATE:  Well, it looks like the book is back online at the same asking price.  So if you’re interested…

 

 

 

MIXED BAG: DEVIOUS MAIDS, SCRUPLES, GOOD LUCK, MISS WYCKOFF

　

 

Yes, DEVIOUS MAIDS, the new prime time soap created and executive produced by DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES’ alumni Marc Cherry and Eva Longoria for Lifetime is funny, upbeat and totally twisted (thanks in parts to evil socialite Rebecca Wisocky), but somehow it still fails to capture my full interest. Blame this on its carbon copy way of delivering the goods. The series feels totally recycled, like it’s another variation of Cherry’s last hit. It would have been so much nicer to see something different from him this time around, if only to prove that he can spew out real originality if he sets his minds to it. As is, one can only wonder if he’ll be stuck in one trick pony La La Land forever.

　

　

Judith Krant's mega-hit SCRUPLES is back in the spotlight. After a failed TV pilot last year (I’m still reeling over that decision, ABC!) co-produced by Academy Award winner Natalie Portman, the 1978 cult classic that really started the chick lit craze has returned for another trip down the publishing aisle via Sphere Books. British journalist and author India Knight (MY LIFE ON A PLATE) lends a hand by penning the book’s intro. If you have yet to grab Krantz’s classic, I urge you to do so ASAP, for it is one heck of a satisfying read, I’m telling you.

As I mention here, GOOD LUCK, MISS WYCKOFF is finally going digital. The controversial film will finally hit the street on August 13th 2013 by Vinegar Syndrome. The Blu-ray/DVD combo will feature a slew of DVD supplements (Theatrical Trailers, TV Spots, Reissue Cut "THE SIN", Thoughts On Author William Inge...) and will even include the soundtrack CD as a bonus. Now that's what I call a good deal. So don’t miss the chance of owning this highly-entertaining gem.

 

 

 

 

　

Until next post—Martin