"Auntie Mame" by Patrick Dennis
Title: Auntie Mame
Author: Patrick Dennis
My Grade: A
The author, Patrick Dennis makes himself a character in this novel. It starts out with Patrick, a 10 year old orphan who is sent to live with his flamboyant socialite aunt Mame who he barely knows, after his father passes away. But this isn't some sad story about how a little orphan grows up to be abused and neglected by his only living relative. His aunt Mame makes it very clear she adores him.
I loved the character of Mame Dennis. She is fabulous with a capital FAB. Some of her ideas were pretty whacked out... I mean, she enrolls Patrick in an all-nude school for gods sake! But for the most part, she was just a woman way ahead of her times. She has a great array of friends of all nationalities, religions and sexual orientation and she has a genuine love for Patrick.
This book (actually originally conceived as short stories) was written in the 50's but it hardly shows its age at all. If I didn't know any better, I would have assumed it was new. This book is a wonderful example of campy but sophisticated humor. A great combo in my opinion. Patrick Dennis' dialogue is quirky and fun. I really enjoyed his style. I am definitely going to read some more of his stuff.