Thomas Tryon Criticism
Thomas Tryon, initially recognized as an actor, transitioned into a successful career as a novelist, authoring several best-selling works. His literary contributions are marked by a unique blend of genres and themes. Tryon's novel Harvest Home is notable for its exploration of classical rituals and paganism, though it has faced criticism for being excessively long and melodramatic, as remarked by Peter Ackroyd. In contrast, his work Crowned Heads is praised for skillfully intertwining fiction and reality, drawing inspiration from Hollywood's real-life glamour and complexities. The novel's vivid storytelling and intricate plotlines have been commended by critics like Webster Schott and William Walsh, who highlight its suspenseful narrative and insightful exploration of stardom's dual allure and destructiveness. Through his novels, Tryon demonstrates an ability to engage readers with rich, sensory experiences and compelling character studies, solidifying his place as a notable figure in contemporary literature.
Contents
- Tryon, Thomas (Vol. 3)
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Tryon, Thomas (Vol. 11)
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Read Without Rest
(summary)
In the following review, Peter Ackroyd criticizes Thomas Tryon's novel Harvest Home as overly long and pretentious, describing it as a ridiculous blend of sex, witchcraft, and hysteria reminiscent of poorly made horror films, while suggesting its themes of classical rituals and paganism are handled in an uninspiring and excessive manner.
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Webster Schott
(summary)
In the following essay, Webster Schott praises Thomas Tryon's novel "Crowned Heads" for its engaging blend of fiction and reality, its sensory appeal, and its intricate plots that draw from real-life Hollywood figures to create compelling, semi-nonfiction narratives.
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William Walsh
(summary)
In the following essay, William Walsh contends that Thomas Tryon's novel "Crowned Heads" effectively captures the allure and destructive nature of Hollywood stardom through its portrayal of complex characters and masterful storytelling, particularly highlighted in its suspenseful and foreshadowing-rich final section.
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Read Without Rest
(summary)