Answered Prayers

About “Answered Prayers”

The novel follows a protagonist of uncertain parentage who, after escaping an orphanage at thirteen, becomes a masajista and later a modern pícaro who moves among the rich and famous, serving as confidant, jester, and observer of the jet-set. It presents a group portrait of high and low society, featuring thinly veiled portrayals of real figures such as Tennessee Williams, Greta Garbo, Niarchos, Mrs. Mathau, Mrs. Cooper, Colette, the Duchess of Windsor, Montgomery Clift, and Tallulah Bankhead, with scenes spanning Tangiers, La Côte Basque, literary salons, and high-priced whorehouses.