Over a decade ago, when I belonged to a book group, one of the members introduced us all to Dawn Powell, who, at the time, had been out of print for awhile, but who then was being re-discovered. I think the book we read was "The Wicked Pavillion," and I recall liking it, and wanting to read more of Dawn Powell.
I just read "Turn, Magic Wheel," and I can say several things. Readers used to the fast paced language of contemporary authors of today, had better adjust to the languid pace, and exquisite social and visual details of Dawn Powell. She is not much on dialogue, but what she can do with words.
It would be fair to call her the Tama Janowitz of her time. While her language, as stated, if far from Tama's, she equally skewers the literary scene in Twenties and Thirties Manhattan, even as to who is sleeping with whom. Pretty daring for her day, but Dawn, by being as understated as she could, gets away with it. She may not be as witty as Dorothy Parker, but she can sustain in longer pieces that explore more of the scene Parker only tossed brilliant barbs at.
In a strange way, it is almost foreshadowing Truman Capote and his scathing New York explorations. Reading Dawn Powell is essential for grasping onto a literary history, in fiction, of New York City.
She may demand more concentration than one is used to, but she is well worth it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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