Greed. Envy. Sex. Property. In her subversively funny and genuinely moving new novel, Jane Smiley nails down several American obsessions with the expertise of a master carpenter.
Forthright, likable Joe Stratford is the kind of local businessman everybody trusts, for good reason. But it’s 1982, and even in Joe’s small town, values are in upheaval: not just property values, either. Enter Marcus Burns, a would-be master of the universe whose years with the IRS have taught him which rules are meant to be broken. Before long he and Joe are new best friends—and partners in an investment venture so complex that no one may ever understand it. Add to this Joe’s roller coaster affair with his mentor’s married daughter. The result is as suspenseful and entertaining as any of Jane Smiley’s fiction.
Wendy C. (wonderdaisy) from EL CERRITO, CA wrote on 2/27/2007...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
I normally love Jane Smiley's books and I always think they're well-written, but this one was excrutiatingly boring.
Judith B. (butchpoodle) from EL SOBRANTE, CA wrote on 1/29/2007...
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Another of Jane Smiley's books about relationships and betrayal ... this one centered around men and business - and, of course, the business of family. As usual for her, very well written, excellent character development. The pace is pretty good. My only criticism ... the general theme of how people always disappoint you.