The Celibacy of Felix Greenspan

South African poet Abrahams's lyrical coming-of-age novel beautifully evokes the fears, traumas, first loves and wild hopes of growing up. Felix Greenspan courageously overcomes childhood paralysis and copes with epileptic fits while parrying the anti-Semitic taunts of cruel classmates. One of them, a bully named Willem Prinsloo, admires Hitler, whose reign is contemporary with Felix's childhood. Told in 17 interlocking stories, the narrative follows Felix into his 30s, exploring his growth as a writer and his undaunted search for sexual and emotional fulfillment despite a long series of rejections. Skipper Ross, Felix's mentor, imbues him with a philosophy of positive thinking and self-mastery that helps him find direction. But Felix, a spastic, is sexually frustrated and seeks release in frequent visits to brothels. Eventually, he invites a black prostitute back to his parents' home in suburban Johannesburg, a taboo-violating act that risks bringing disgrace down on his family. Felix's doomed romance with delicate, tormented painter Lucilla Maxwell crowns this memorable, sensitive study of spiritual and personal growth. (Nov.)