Our book group choice for February 2019 is The Dud Avocado by Elaine Dundy. The Dud Avocado follows the romantic and comedic adventures of a young American who heads overseas to conquer Paris in the late 1950s.
Sally Jay Gorce is a 21-year-old college graduate who arrives in Paris in the late 1950s with dreams of becoming a film star. She is immediately struck by the city’s vibrant atmosphere and its inhabitants’ carefree attitude towards life. Sally Jay quickly falls in with a group of artists and bohemians, and she soon finds herself caught up in a whirlwind of love affairs, parties, and adventures.
One of Sally Jay’s first love interests is Teddy Visconti, a charming middle-aged Italian married man. Teddy is everything that Sally Jay’s parents warned her about, but she is nonetheless drawn to him. Their affair is passionate but ultimately doomed, and Sally Jay is left heartbroken when Teddy returns to his wife.
After her breakup with Teddy, Sally Jay meets Larry Keevil, an American actor who is casting a play in Paris. Sally Jay is determined to win Larry’s heart, and she goes to great lengths to impress him. She dyes her hair pink, wears evening dresses in the daytime, and even learns how to speak French.
Larry is initially amused by Sally Jay’s antics, but he eventually comes to see her for the kind and intelligent woman that she is. They fall in love, and Sally Jay finally achieves her dream of becoming a film star.
However, Sally Jay’s newfound success comes at a price. She is forced to leave behind her bohemian lifestyle and conform to the expectations of the film industry. She also begins to question whether she has made the right choices in her life.
In the end, Sally Jay realizes that she needs to find a balance between her personal life and her professional career. She decides to give up her acting career and return to Paris, where she can be herself and live the life that she wants to live.
The Dud Avocado is a funny, heartwarming, and insightful novel about a young woman’s journey of self-discovery. It is a classic coming-of-age story that will resonate with readers of all ages.
The novel is full of memorable characters, including Sally Jay herself, who is a vivacious and independent young woman. She is not afraid to take risks and live her life to the fullest. The other characters in the novel are also well-developed and believable.
The Dud Avocado is also set against a vibrant and exciting backdrop of Paris in the late 1950s. The city comes alive in the pages of the novel, and the reader can almost feel the energy and excitement of the city.
Discussion Questions for The Dud Avocado
- How would you describe the plot?
- Really distinctive voice to the character… did you enjoy?
- What if Holly Golightly had written Breakfast at Tiffany’s …point of view is key
- Is it as joyous as it appears or is it tragic?
- Do you believe in Max Ramage?
- Tragic comedy or comical tragedy?
- In your view, what was the most scandalous thing in the book?
- What did you think of the dinner party gruesomeness?
- The book was a a big success on publication. Why now is it only considered a cult classic?
- Could you compare this to Catcher in the Rye?
- Is Sally’s journey convincing?
- Did you believe in Larry?
- To whom would you consider recommending the book? And for what reasons would you do so?
Individual Comments
Anthony's Rating 
Catherine's Rating
EmmaT's Rating 
Sue's Rating