Books: RECENT & READABLE, Dec. 10, 1956

The Mermaids, by Eva Boros. A minor magic mountain on whose emotional crags a few people suffering from TB—and from life—act out a perceptive, beautifully written love story (TIME, Nov. 26).

Venice Observed, by Mary McCarthy. A wise writer and brilliant stylist on a fascinating guided tour through the Floating City's haunted past and present (TIME, Nov. 26).

The Muses Are Heard, by Truman Capote. A literary hummingbird in the tundra writes a funny and occasionally gripping report about the Porgy and Bess troupe in Russia, and how jive and Marxism failed to dig each...

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