Books: Jesus in California

THE FLUTTER OF AN EYELID—Myron Brinig—Farrar & Rinehart ($2).

If Tiffany Thayer were a great deal better writer, this is the kind of book he might write. Phantasmagoria laid in a wilder California than mortal eye has seen. The Flutter of an Eyelid promises more than it performs, but puts on a garishly entertaining show. Says Author Brinig, through one of his characters: "It occurs to me that a writer ought to have both vegetables and flowers in his books. He ought to have everything in his books. The old idea of being one thing at a time, a romanticist or a realist, hardly fits in with the times."

Caslon Roanoke, author of austere New England novels, goes to California for a vacation. A friend and admirer has taken a bungalow for him in the exotic colony of Alta Vista, introduces him to all of Alta Vista's queer characters. Before any of them can say "Roanoke," Caslon has them all in a book, finds that they are his characters. He falls hopelessly in love with Sylvia, and she does him a favor, but she remains devoted to her surly absentee husband. Sinister Mrs. Forgate, who has a reputation as a husband-poisoner, watches with a cold eye the passionate friendship between her gigolo Antonio and the Keatsian poet Dacbe. Lad Greengable, godlike lifeguard with literary leanings, and Jacqueline, mannish musician, look longingly at Sylvia. Angela Flower (recognizable caricature of Aimee Semple McPherson) shouts hoarse evangelism through cocktail parties. Sol Mosier, neurotic antique dealer, pines for new sensations.

Lad Greengable goes off to Europe to drown his love for Sylvia in dissipation. Jacqueline puts her discords into music. Sol has the happy thought of poisoning his wife; unfortunately he overindulges and she dies. Angela discovers a simple soul who believes he is Jesus; under her tutelage he acts the part. Arthur Brisbane writes: "So Jesus has returned! Millions all over the world will welcome the news. Other millions will wonder what He is going to do about international debts, politics, taxes, love, prohibition and the grasping public utilities. But whatever happens, you may rest assured that California, as usual, will continue to be the beauty spot of the earth, visited by millions of tourists yearly who will spend their money for California home-products and California's incomparable sunshine." Broadway produces a song:

Jesus is a Pal of mine.

Rain or shine That Sweet Somebody Thinks I'm somebody, My Pal, my Buddy, My Jesus.

Climax of the publicity campaign is to be "Jesus' " miraculous walking on the water at Santa Monica. All goes well until, some distance from land, he catches sight of Sylvia swimming beside him, without a bathing suit; he sinks without a trace. Mrs. Forgate poisons Dache. Just in time Author Roanoke goes back to New England : a few days later a last and greatest cataclysm swallows up California.