Books: Blood of the Lamb

THE ALTERATION

by KINGSLEY AMIS

210 pages. Viking. $7.95.

Hubert Anvil, 10, is the best boy soprano in Christendom. But he will be neither a boy nor a soprano much longer—unless an alteration is performed on his anatomy. Church officials, including the Pope, decide that they and Hubert have no choice; such a talent must be preserved for the greater veneration and glory of God. Hubert, a devout and obedient lad, would nonetheless like to know what he will be missing from the manhood that is not to be his. "I know it's glorious to have God's favor," says the potential castrato,...

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