As I've been watching more and more episodes from the Peyton Place television show (the first couple of years, in the mid-60s), it reminded me that I still had more Peyton Place novels by Roger Fuller to read. The books definitely follow the story as originally penned by Grace Metalious, and are not at all related to the television show, which deviated so far from the books - changing so many elements of Metalious' original, scandalous tale. Fuller, on the other hand, not only builds on the original scandals in Metalious two-book story, but he goes well beyond what was considered morally and ethically acceptable back in those days! This particular book, published in January 1969, contains probably some of the most "shocking" content of any of the prior four books in this series!
The Evils of Peyton Place introduces readers to yet more newcomers to the small New England community. Willie Higginbotham is a filthy rich man who has never really had to work a day in his life. He married Anne Higginbotham, known as "Higgie," who is anything but a usual housewife. In fact, when it comes to being filthy rich, Higgie enjoys the filthy part more than the rich part. Rarely sober, dependent on drugs prescribed by her questionable doctor, and in total reliance on her husband's support - physical, emotional, and psychological - Higgie is always looking for something new to satiate her depraved desires. Never in a million years did Willie think all those kinks would find kindred spirits in a small community like Peyton Place ... but little did he know!
What I think pushes the boundaries a bit too far with the story is when Fuller not only has Higgie engaging in sexual acts with their housekeeper's daughter (who is barely old enough to be out of high school!), but she also makes overtures towards the daughter of her husband's business partner - a girl that IS still in high school! Thankfully, nothing every actually happens - it is merely threats made by Higgie; but Willie does finally put an end to the shenanigans and the marriage when he catches her in bed with his business partner's wife - a decision that has devastating consequences for not only Higgie, but for Willie as well. This book has an extremely sad ending, moreso than any book that has come before in this series. Of course, that does ground it somewhat in reality, as actions do have consequences, and the moral of this story definitely plays out - engaging in reckless, careless behavior, living a life of lies and secrets, will eventually catch up to you!
One thing I did like about this book - when characters or situations from previous books are mentioned, there is a footnote on that particular page that provides the reader with the title of the book wherein that particular character appeared or story took place (p. 21 references The Pleasure of Peyton Place and p. 125 references Again Peyton Place). That's a nice way to refresh the memories of those who have read all the books, and a great reference for those who pick up and read this book before any of the others.
Of all the books, I would say this is probably the one I liked the least. It is a bit difficult to get through because of the subject matter and because of the constant switch in point of view to the various characters introduced. I still have several more books in the series to read, so we will see how they play out...
RATING: 6 scantily-clad fire-dancers out of 10 for pulling back the curtains on the sordid lives of the rich and bored behind closed doors in a small-town USA.
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