One Hundred Dollar Misunderstanding
A Novel
by Robert Gover
Ballantine Books, 1971
CONDITION:
Vintage reading copy, unmarked, covers well read, worn and torn.
ATTRIBUTES:
Mass market paperback.
DESCRIPTION:
Robert Gover's novel, "One Hundred Dollar Misunderstanding," explores themes of race, sex, and money through the comedic and often frustrating interactions between a college sophomore and a 14-year-old Black prostitute named Kitten. The narrative unfolds with each character offering their perspective in alternating chapters, highlighting their differing understandings of their relationship and the world around them. The book uses satire to comment on American racism and societal hypocrisy, particularly regarding sexual and racial attitudes in the mid-20th century.
Robert Gover (1929-2015) was an American journalist who became a best-selling novelist at the age of 30. He grew up in an endowed orphanage, Girard College in Philadelphia, and earned a BA in economics from the University of Pittsburgh. Gover's father died when he was 11 months old, and his mother, facing financial hardship during the Great Depression, enrolled him in Girard College. Before becoming a novelist, Gover worked as a journalist from 1952 to 1960. He lived most of his life in California and later moved to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Gover also explored themes of pseudoscience and the occult in his later works, and he was friends with Jim Morrison of The Doors.
"One Hundred Dollar Misunderstanding" is considered an American cult classic and is recognized for its role in challenging societal norms by openly addressing sexuality and racial issues. The novel was initially rejected by New York publishers but found success after being published in France, receiving positive reviews in publications like Le Monde and La Figuro, which appreciated its satire on American hypocrisy. Its eventual publication in the United States contributed to breaking down taboos surrounding explicit content and language in literature. Collectors might find this book interesting due to its historical significance as a groundbreaking work that tackled sensitive social issues with a satirical approach, and as the debut novel of a best-selling author.
FLASHBACK TO 1971 WHEN THIS BOOK WAS PUBLISHED:
When this book was published in 1971, the Vietnam War continued to rage, the Pentagon Papers were leaked, exposing government deceit, and the United States ended the convertibility of the dollar to gold, shaking the global financial system. Meanwhile, Intel released the first microprocessor, the groundbreaking 4004, and the iconic "Imagine" by John Lennon captivated listeners, while Robert Gover, already known for his controversial novels, continued to challenge societal norms.
Page Count: 213
Location: 01-02-01-2572