A Woman of Our Times

In this brisk, engaging tale of entrepreneurship and romance by the author of Bad Girls, Good Women , Harriet Peacock, 30, not pretty but blessed with business acumen and drive, sells her London boutique to launch a risky venture--marketing a game of number skill and chance that is ``like life.'' The game, ``Meizu,'' or maze, has been invented by Simon Archer, a former WW II Royal Artillery officer and Japanese POW, now a sickly, indigent recluse whom Harriet suspects may be her father. Meizu sells grandly. Harriet buys an upscale Hampstead house; runs her firm, Peacocks; and juggles her men: Leo, the philandering photographer spouse she sheds; boyish Robin, a patrician venture capitalist; blunt, grizzled Caspar, an over-the-hill Hollywood star; and David, whom she once hid from. After one jealous lover undermines Peacocks in a treacherous takeover, indomitable Harriet pulls out her millions to start anew, fighting to have it all, loot and love. Thomas's flavorsome tale also edifies with details of commerce and real estate. 50,000 first printing; $50,000 ad/promo; Literary Guild main selection. (Oct.)