Description
A Season in Purgatory: A Novel by Dominick Dunne published in 1993.
The story revolves around the dysfunctional lives of the powerful Bradley family, who reside in the exclusive town of Greenwich, Connecticut. The Bradleys are deeply entrenched in politics, wealth, and social connections, presenting a meticulously curated façade to the world. However, beneath their polished exterior lies a web of secrets, lies, and corruption that threatens to unravel their prestigious image.
The central characters are Harrison Burns, the son of the Bradleys’ longtime family servant, and the Bradley children, Constant Bradley and Judith Winslow Bradley. From an early age, Harrison is enamored with the glamorous lifestyle of the Bradleys and becomes an integral part of their world. He is treated as a pseudo-member of the family, made possible by the loyalty his father, Jimmy Burns, has shown to the Bradleys throughout the years.
The narrative shifts between the present day and the past, chronicling the events leading up to a tragedy that will forever change the lives of all involved. As the story unfolds, Dunne exposes the dysfunctional nature of the Bradley family, probing the depths of their characters, their relentless pursuit of power, and their manipulation of others.
Power and Privilege: Dunne delves into the corrupting influence of power and privilege on the Bradley family, examining the lengths to which they will go to maintain their social standing. The Bradleys view themselves as untouchable, operating under the assumption that their wealth and connections will protect them from consequences.
Dark Secrets and Scandals: The novel is rife with scandalous secrets and illicit affairs. Dunne shines a light on the underbelly of the Bradley family’s seemingly perfect lives, unearthing infidelities, blackmail, and betrayal. The characters become entangled in a web of lies, leading to devastating consequences.
Morality and Moral Decay: Dunne explores the erosion of moral values within the privileged class. The characters’ moral compasses become distorted as they prioritize their own interests above all else. The pursuit of power, wealth, and social standing blinds them to the consequences of their actions.
The Limits of Loyalty: The dynamics of loyalty and its limits are examined in the relationship between Harrison and the Bradley family. Despite witnessing their moral corruption, Harrison feels torn between his years of loyalty to the Bradleys and his own sense of what is right. This internal conflict raises questions about the nature of loyalty and its consequences.
Injustice and the Power of Influence: Dunne explores the theme of injustice within the novel. The Bradleys’ connections and wealth provide them with a shield against the consequences of their actions, highlighting the flaws and inequalities within the justice system. This raises important questions about the influence that power and privilege have on the pursuit of justice.
In “A Season in Purgatory: A Novel,” Dominick Dunne weaves a tale of power, privilege, and moral decay that exposes the dark underbelly of the elite. Through the secrets, scandals, and corruption of the Bradley family, he offers a provocative exploration of the human condition and the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their own interests. This compelling novel serves as a cautionary tale, reminding readers of the consequences that can arise from unchecked ambition and moral compromise.
This is a hardback edition with an intact dustjacket that measures 9 x 1.25 x 6.5 inches and has 377 pages.
Dominick John Dunne (October 29, 1925 – August 26, 2009) was an American writer, investigative journalist, and producer. If you would like to know more about the author please check out his WIKI page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominick_Dunne
If you have any questions about our books or other items that we sell please use our CONTACT form.
Hardcover :
ISBN-10 : 0517583860
ISBN-13 : 9780517583869
Item Weight : 1.45 pounds
Dimensions :
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.