“The Boy Who Made Good” by Mary Deasy is a tempestuous novel that revolves around the disintegrating political campaign of Ivor Kelly, a has-been boy-wonder and political Golden Boy of the mad and forgotten twenties. Ivor’s life unfolds not in the light of prudent pronouncements but in the glitter of his own dream—an extraordinary and incandescent world. The story takes place in a provincial American setting, where ambition clashes with disillusionment, and love intertwines with ruthless politics.
In 1935, Betsy, home from college for the summer, becomes entangled in Ivor’s campaign for the governorship. Around Ivor swirl the ambitions of other men: Harvey Whiteley, the kingmaker; Pat Donlon, on the brink of disaster; Tyler Dewarr, dedicating his wealth to public service; and hangers-on like Freddie Devanter. Through Betsy’s innocent and luminous love for Ivor, we witness the sweat, excitement, outrageous humor, and turbulent drama of a political campaign in the Upper South.
