Turnabout

By Thorne Smith

Book Overview

Thorne Smith has done it again. He has captured what appears to be the story of an ordinary married couple with everyday troubles, and has created an off-the-wall comedy with all sorts of twists and turns. After listening to Tim and Sally Willows bicker daily for years, an Egyptian idol decides to do something about it. He switches bodies on them! Suddenly, each one is forced to look at life from the other's point of view. 'Tim' has to learn how to do his hair, put on makeup, and elude the man who is after his wife. 'Sally' has to work at an advertising agency, and think and talk like a man.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 144740226X
• ISBN13: 9781447402268
• Release Date: August 2014
• Publisher: Read Books
• Length: 380 Pages
• Weight: 1.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Turnabout is More than Fair Play

I discovered this book decades ago in an old steamer trunk that belonged to my wife's late aunt. I was surprised to find it so hilarious since I had never heard of Thorne Smith. When I later found out he had authored "Topper", I understood. I could hardly put it down because it kept me wondering what disaster would next befall Tim - or should I say Sally? Read it! You will understand. Also, to Catherine: Turnabout was made into a movie in 1940. I've yet to see it, but I've read some good reviews about it.

Reading and re-reading for forty years and still wonderful!

I first found this book when I was fifteen and have read it now at least fifty times. The characters and events still bring tears of laughter to my eyes. I've wished for a very long time that this could be made into a movie so more people could share Thorne Smith's vision. It is an intelligent read and a wonderful look at urban life in the late 20's. Block out some time and prepare to laugh out loud.

Delightful Comedy

Read this fantasy on several levels. Mr. Smith is a wordsmith able to delight while commenting on the human condition. It is especially refreshing to draw comparisons with the 20's and today.

Interesting and funny "what if"

The 1920's through the eyes of a husband and wife who switch bodies with each other. While some of the gags are a bit dated, it was interesting to view male/female attitudes of that era. What would you do if you swapped bodies with someone of the opposite gender here in 1999? I know what I would do.

In Praise of Thorne Smith and his work

Turnabout by Thorne Smith is a wonderful combination that celebrates the raucus hedonism of the 1920's and derides the hypocrasy of puritanical prohibition. It is the love story of a couple not in love that rediscover their love again once they trade places (literally and hilariously!). Through the devises of the mysterious "Mr. Ram" and local neighbors they set about creating a riot throughout their small town. It is a book I highly recommend. Anyone interested in humor, sex, and challenging authority should check it out.