Criticism > Contemporary Literary Criticism > Theroux, Alexander (Louis) - The Times Literary Supplement

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THE TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT

There have been good modern novels written about the British by "outsiders", usually Indians and West Indians. All About Mr. Hatterr and The Prevalence of Witches are outstanding examples. Alexander Theroux is an American, and Three Wogs has the impact and the slightly fantastic quality shared by these two forerunners. Indeed, the proliferating energy of the style is the most remarkable thing about it, together with a love for words found only in the very largest dictionaries: "cep", "haptic", "syzygy", "mattoid", "benthic"….

The total effect is very refreshing. Such an original and beautifully written first novel doesn't come along often.

"Colour Chart," in The Times Literary Supplement (© Times Newspapers Ltd. (London) 1973; reproduced from The Times Literary Supplement by permission), No. 3722, July 6, 1973, p. 783.

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1. Introduction
2. Diane Johnson
3. The Times Literary Supplement
4. Miles Donald
5. Jack Beatty
6. Eve Ottenberg
7. BENJAMIN DeMOTT
8. John Leonard
9. J. O. Tate
10. Copyright