It was hard to anticipate how a fiction book could have a plot about a plot---but this one does. Author Jake has had one wildly successful book published, but now has been reduced to teaching in a workshop for hopeful writers. One of his students Evan promises that he has a plot idea that will captivate everyone, and definitely lead to a best-seller.
But, Jake discovers Evan has died before ever getting that book published. So he takes that same plot idea and writes a book that is yes, wildly successful. Was he guilty of plagiarism, when no words had been written? One character thinks that Jake is certainly guilty of theft, and that leads to the thriller part of this book's plot.
I did figure out who the bad guy was before I got to the end of this book, and wasn't particularly "thrilled" along the way. But the plot was interesting, as promised. I mostly liked the thoughts about writing and how authors must reply on help from many others before their book can get published.
I thought it was a good summer read. It was different from anything else I have read recently. I'm finding uniqueness is becoming one of my main criteria for what I enjoy reading.
“Deep character development, an impressively thick tapestry of intertwining story lines, and a candid glimpse into the publishing business make this a page-turner of the highest order. Korelitz deserves acclaim for her own perfect plot.”
―Publishers Weekly (STARRED Review)