Wallace at University of Alabama
Allen Drury followed up his blockbuster novel Advise and Consent with A Shade of Difference, which builds on events and characters from that novel.
In the mid-twentieth century, “Terrible Terry,”a Western-educated leader of a British possession, is seeking UN help in getting immediate independent status for his African country. Terry has the support of the Communist countries as well as the non-aligned and anti-American nations. More important, Terry has the support of the liberal segment of Americans always ready to denounce their nation.
When Terry dramatically escorts a black girl to integrate a white Southern school, he unleashes a violent clash of races and political opponents.
An experienced political reporter, Drury writes with an insider’s knowledge and a propagandist’s aim.
However, he’s also a capable story teller, who never forgets that readers come for the story. His omniscient character descriptions are borne out by the words and actions of those characters.
The most startling aspect of A Shade of Difference is how contemporary the story feels. Representative Cullee Hamilton, caught in the conflict between the races and his own political ambitions is a fictional sixties Barack Obama.
Whatever your political leanings, you will find intrigue and entertainment in the pages of this political thriller.
A Shade of Difference Allen Drury Doubleday, 1962 603 pages 1962 bestseller #3 My grade:B+
