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crufts's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.5
Groucho Marx's series of short stories about his and other people's failed and ridiculous romantic escapades made me laugh more than once as I read. You can hardly go two sentences without seeing at least a tiny joke. I also enjoyed the New-Yorker-esque illustrations throughout the book.
On the downside: many of the jokes have aged badly. (The book was published in 1963.) Running themes include men attempting to entice women with expensive gifts, men hating their wives and having affairs with other women, and a number of other very stereotypical tropes. Groucho makes fun of the men doing all this, but they're still doing it.
There was a particular story that didn't play to stereotypes, which I liked: a gambling man who's unable to get hold of his usual co-players hires three prostitutes in order to play cards with them. No risque behaviour ensues: they really are just playing cards. Everyone has a wonderful evening and goes home happy.
Actually, I would say that the strongest stories in the collection are all about non-romance topics like gambling, the trials of entertaining guests, and the silly design of the human body.
If you happen to see this book lying around, it's worth glancing through, but I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to get a copy.
On the downside: many of the jokes have aged badly. (The book was published in 1963.) Running themes include men attempting to entice women with expensive gifts, men hating their wives and having affairs with other women, and a number of other very stereotypical tropes. Groucho makes fun of the men doing all this, but they're still doing it.
There was a particular story that didn't play to stereotypes, which I liked: a gambling man who's unable to get hold of his usual co-players hires three prostitutes in order to play cards with them. No risque behaviour ensues: they really are just playing cards. Everyone has a wonderful evening and goes home happy.
Actually, I would say that the strongest stories in the collection are all about non-romance topics like gambling, the trials of entertaining guests, and the silly design of the human body.
If you happen to see this book lying around, it's worth glancing through, but I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to get a copy.
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
Minor: Domestic abuse and Slavery