Glum and Mighty Pagans

This comic novel set in the world
of New York City real estate in the
late 1970s and early 1980s chronicles the coming of age of Clara Chimes, who
want to be a scientist. But her overbearing aunt wants her in the family
business. Brilliant though not particularly good at standing up for herself,
Clara flounders through her family's upper class Republican milieu only to
loose her way. Clara becomes lost in the world of the housing court, crazed and
somewhat corrupt judges, and tenant organizing, and she also struggles with her
aunt's cancer. Minor characters abound, and some are hilarious, especially
Clara's Republican voting, health-food-eating eccentric friends from the Main
Line. After a tour of Clara's somewhat wacky acquaintance, the
reader sees her settle for something not her first choice, but still very good.