bestselling author Delorys Welch-Tyson
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photos by Allan Tyson
"Asking a working writer what he feels about critics is like asking a lamppost what it feels about dogs."
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"A GROUND BREAKING EXPAT NOVEL...""Author Delorys Welch Tyson is a keen social observer whose satirical works pull no punches!"Ladyfingers, the second installment of what Welch-Tyson calls her “Cookie Quartet,” again combines the ingredients of humor and self help in the satirical tale of American gaffes and foibles on the French Riviera.
Selected Review “Ladyfingers” is the second book in Delorys Welch-Tyson’s “Cookie Quartet”. I have not read the first book but the story flows so well that I did not need to read “Gingersnaps” before I read this one, but I plan to now. The story is about several people who have attended Ladyfingers, an etiquette school where the proprietor, Miss Arthuretta Bozell teaches the newly rich elegance and manners. The clients also learn their lessons by religiously reading her guidebook “Madame Bozell’s Guide to Elegant and Proper Behavior and Presentation”. An example of what the guide offers: “Chapter Three: Entering a Room: Professionally or Socially. Upon entering a room, whether it is a social or professional situation, greet everyone (even if it is only one person) by saying good morning, good afternoon, or good evening: depending on the time of day. If people are already engaged in a conversation, say, ‘excuse me, if I may, I would like to speak to you,’ to the person to whom you would like to address. Proper behavior requires that you acknowledge the humanity of other individuals. An exchange of greetings is essential to creating a gracious first impression in addition to increasing the probability of a congenial exchange between parties. A pleasant, natural smile helps, as well.” One would think that these would be easy guidelines to follow. Not so with this crew and so begin the hilarious antics by Madame Bozell’s protégé’s. Many of the characters in the story try to disguise themselves as Baronesses, Countesses, Sheik’s, and many more, from an unknown country. They fail miserably at their goal to be refined and wealthy and end up insulting most of the people they run into. With people like that running around the French Riviera, it is no wonder why Americans are not well liked. The story concludes with all of these people coming together at David Simon’s brother’s wedding reception and the result is hilarious. This is a great book to read if you enjoy satire. I recommend it highly and look forward to reading “Gingersnaps” and Ms. Welch-Tyson’s 3rd book “Almond Cookies.” Cherie Fisher for Reader Views |
