Sigmund Schultz, formerly of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, is now a musical theatre impresario in London with a hit West End show – finally – called Kiss It, Don’t Hold It, It’s Too Hot. After producing several flops, success doesn’t make his life any easier.

Schultz is Donleavy’s typical beleaguered anti-hero. “Jesus by the time you learn all about life the fucking thing is all over.” Constantly on the make, he loses women, gains women, chases more women, and is generally raked over the coals in the process. His business partners, both in London and in the U.S. are taking advantage of him as much as they are able.

After running as hard as he can chasing life, Schultz realizes that “what I most wanted in this entire fucking world besides money, was a woman I could love.” If he doesn’t find one it’s not for lack of trying.

There’s never really a dull moment in all four hundred pages. Donleavy’s dialogue may sometimes be overlooked, but it is clever, highly entertaining and yet understated. He can invoke a character’s personality simply through dialogue, and does so often. ( )