The Plot

This book by Jean Hanff Korelitz received such good reviews, but after the first half of the book, I was just bored. I almost gave up! But instead I went back and re-read the reviews, trying to figure out why I picked it up in the first place. I figured out one surprise a few chapters before the reveal. But the conclusion left me flat-footed.  From Library Journal: "Korelitz...questions the world of publishing in this latest novel. Jake Finch Bonner, a once promising youngish writer, has been reduced to taking a short-term teaching gig at a third-rate, low-residency MFA program in Vermont. During a one-on-one meeting with an arrogant student, Jake hears the student's incredible idea for a plot. When, several years later, he learns that the student has died, Jake decides to tell the story himself. He hits the best-seller lists with Crib, excerpts of which appear as a book within this book. But then emails and tweets from an anonymous sender accuse him of stealing the plot and threaten to expose him."

Publishers Weekly: "Jacob Finch Bonner, the hapless protagonist of this ingeniously twisty novel...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."  Can't say I agree with the "page-turner" assessment.

And Kirkus closes their rave review: "Korelitz... knows how to blend suspense with complex character studies, falls a little short on the character end here; Jake is a sympathetic but slightly bland protagonist, and Anna has the only other fully developed personality. No one will care as the story hurtles toward the creepy climax, in the best tradition of Patricia Highsmith and other chroniclers of the human psyche’s darkest depths. Gripping and thoroughly unsettling." I would say that the book plods rather than "hurtles" but decide for yourself.