DeSoto Reviews

At times lyrical, this first novel of Lewis DeSoto begins with a great deal of potential. Here are two women who have lost--parents, husband. Here are two women in apartheid South Africa, one black and one white. DeSoto describes grief poignantly without being over the top, but he fails on two points: his dialogue is wooden and he often isn't as subtle as he could be, pointing out his lyricism to the reader too blatantly.

DeSoto has a solid start though--he will learn to develop characters through dialogue and create believable conversations. He will draw in the scenery without making obvious metaphors. After all, if he can create sorrow in such a fashion, he can create life.

A bit lengthy, this novel is still completely readable and worth the read. The chapters are short and despite my frustrations, I did have a hard time putting it down. There is an investment from the reader into these pages and I know DeSoto is a valuable author.

This is one of those novels that just doesn't leave you alone. The novelist wraps the reader in a multi-layered, textural atmosphere strikingly rich in the sort of detail that pulls at the loose threads of your memory, trying to weave itself into permanence...and, in a way, it does. I only read novels, and do not usually enjoy stories that jump around in time. However, I was pleasantly surprised when the author artfully dodged the usual pitfall (confusion) by maintaining a constant point of view throughout (albeit through different characters). The novel combines some elegant writing (always a plus) with subjects that, in spirit, are familiar enough to be evocative yet novel enough to stay refreshing. Happily, the novel is not overburdened with unnecessary detail, leaving just enough to the reader's imagination to create a unique experience for every reader. Hope to see more of this author soon!

Radio and television broadcasters of the 21st century owe their heritage to those radio amateurs who pioneered the technology for both point-to-point two-way communication and one-way entertainment broadcasting early in the 20th century. "Two-Hundred Meters and Down : The Story of Amateur Radio" by Clinton B. Desoto chronicles those very early days and exposes the fast-paced excitement of those seminal times. This is a powerful book for those hams of today seeking the roots of their modern service in yesterday. In fact, it's excellent for anyone interested in this colorful segment of the history of science and technology. --Anthony R. Curtis, Ph.D., K3RXK

My four year old daughter loves Doctor Desoto! It is charming to think of a world of a gentle mouse dentist with his loving wife and delicate tools. She was thrilled when we discovered this sequel. But, it was hard to read, hard to follow and an overall disappointment.

This was one of the first William Steig books I read, and it's still my favorite. My children really enjoy it too! Steig's books are unusual in that the characters frequently face danger, but there's no real violence, and Steig uses 'big' words in such a way that their meaning is clear from the context. The illustrations are great, and the stories are funny and poignant. This is a book that most parents and children (of all ages) will like.

The title should read "A General Mini-Overview of Plymouths and Desotos". This book does not talk about value, does not deal in parts but only gives very little information on these cars through the years. The type of information included in this book can be found, in much more detail and thoroughness, in less costly books which I already have. There are less than 4 pages of generalizations dedicated to my 1956 Plymouth. Save your money.

Excellent source of information, concise, clear and readable. Mr. Benjaminson has combined lots of history and rare factory information with stunning photos and fascinating behind-the-scenes info. It's a must-have for anyone with a DeSoto or Plymouth!