Cry Attack

In a post-war world where hope is as scarce as a decent cup of tea, John Burgan’s “Cry Attack” leaps off the shelf like a startled rabbit at the mere mention of a cucumber sandwich. Published in 1947 by Avon Publications—home to many a forgotten literary treasure—this peculiar tome is a delightful enigma wrapped in the riddle of human emotion. Prepare yourself for a literary journey that may or may not require a strong drink and a sturdy hanky.

As you delve into the pages of this rather cryptic narrative, you may find yourself pondering the great mysteries of life: What exactly constitutes a “cry attack”? Is it a spontaneous outburst of tears during a particularly moving advertisement for a new brand of tea? Or perhaps it’s that moment when you find out your favourite biscuit has been discontinued? Spoilers: it’s likely neither, but Burgan’s imagination is certainly robust enough to conjure something equally absurd.

The book unfolds in an era that is both gritty and glamorous, where the jazz age meets the post-war blues in a dance that can only be described as half-hearted. Characters emerge, or perhaps stumble, from the shadows like characters in a half-forgotten dream, each with their own unique brand of melancholy. You might find yourself engaged in an intellectual tug-of-war with the protagonist who navigates the chaos of life’s disappointments while simultaneously attempting to avert a full-blown emotional meltdown. It’s like watching someone attempt to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle—entertaining, yet slightly alarming.

But fear not! The charm of “Cry Attack” lies not in the solemnity of its narrative but in its quirky exploration of the human psyche. Imagine a melancholy circus where the clowns are in therapy, and the ringmaster is having a midlife crisis. Burgan’s prose dances with irony, and his wit is sharper than a particularly vindictive cheese knife. You may find yourself chuckling at moments that are supposed to be tragic, and pondering existential questions that arise from the most mundane situations. This is the essence of Burgan’s style—seriousness cloaked in whimsy.

Readers of the 1940s may have been drawn to this book in the hopes of finding solace in its pages. Instead, they likely encountered a delightful chaos that perfectly mirrored the disarray of the world around them. The book’s title alone evokes an unexplored territory of emotional outbursts and awkward encounters that make you question your own sanity, while simultaneously reassuring you that you’re not alone in your bewilderment.

As you flip through the pages, you might notice a charming collection of oddball moments that feel like snippets of life, ranging from trivial to absurd. Here are some of the themes you might encounter:

• Unexpected encounters with strangers in the queue at the post office.
• Philosophical musings about the merits of different types of cheese.
• Awkward family gatherings that spiral into chaos.
• Unrequited love and the questionable wisdom of sending a heartfelt letter.
• Spontaneous dance parties in the middle of the living room.

Condition: This book is used, which means it has been lovingly thumbed through by countless literati (or perhaps just people looking for a good laugh). Expect dog-eared pages, the occasional coffee stain that whispers of late-night reading marathons, and a spine that has borne witness to both laughter and tears. In short, it’s a book that has lived a life, much like its potential readers.

So, if you’re in the mood for a quirky exploration of life’s absurdities, “Cry Attack” is the perfect companion for your next rainy afternoon. You can find it amidst the stacks at Crappy Old Books, where every book tells a story, and not all of them are entirely coherent—but that’s precisely the charm of it, isn’t it?

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