Book Review: "The Plot" by Jean Hanff Korelitz
“The Plot” by Jean Hanff Korelitz
Synopsis: Jacob Finch Bonner was once a promising young novelist with a respectably published first book. Today, he's teaching in a third-rate MFA program and struggling to maintain what's left of his self-respect; he hasn't written--let alone published--anything decent in years. When Evan Parker, his most arrogant student, announces he doesn't need Jake's help because the plot of his book in progress is a sure thing, Jake is prepared to dismiss the boast as typical amateur narcissism. But then . . . he hears the plot.
Jake returns to the downward trajectory of his own career and braces himself for the supernova publication of Evan Parker's first novel: but it never comes. When he discovers that his former student has died, presumably without ever completing his book, Jake does what any self-respecting writer would do with a story like that--a story that absolutely needs to be told.
In a few short years, all of Evan Parker's predictions have come true, but Jake is the author enjoying the wave. He is wealthy, famous, praised and read all over the world. But at the height of his glorious new life, an email arrives, the first salvo in a terrifying, anonymous campaign: You are a thief, it says.
As Jake struggles to understand his antagonist and hide the truth from his readers and his publishers, he begins to learn more about his late student, and what he discovers both amazes and terrifies him. Who was Evan Parker, and how did he get the idea for his "sure thing" of a novel? What is the real story behind the plot, and who stole it from whom?
Rating (out of 5): 4.25
Review: Jean Hanff Korelitz is in my top five authors. I eagerly anticipate every new book she writes, and know they’ll always be suspenseful, witty, and entirely evocative of a time, place, or social stratum with which I’m familiar. I enjoyed the HBO adaptation of her book “You Should Have Known,” with Hugh Grant and Nicole Kidman, renamed “The Undoing.” It captured brilliantly, among other things, the independent school scene in New York.
This book has a killer hook: Jacob Finch Bonner, his once promising writing career lilting downward like a leaf in the wind, avails himself of the opportunity to steal a plot from a deceased former student. A sure bestseller, the book catapults him to literary fame. Unfortunately, as soon as he begins to celebrate, he is found out by an anonymous email writer who threatens to expose him.
The book is interspersed with chapters from “Crib,” the book Bonner writes from the stolen plot. I was even more drawn in by this story and admittedly would have loved to read the whole book. While Jacob’s own mystery was very fascinating, the problem with teasing a book with an irresistible plot is that you also want to read that book.
Overall, I loved the book, though I did end up guessing the end a few chapters before I got there. All in all, it still held more than sufficient suspense to keep me going. Korelitz’s writing is literary, satirical, and a great deal of fun, and her newest novel doesn’t disappoint.
TL;DR: Truly a killer plot—will likely be one of the better literary mysteries of 2021.
If you liked this, try:
“You Should Have Known” by Jean Hanff Korelitz (Bookshop | Kindle)
“The Interestings” by Meg Wolitzer (Bookshop | Kindle)
“Wonder Boys” by Michael Chabon (Bookshop | Kindle)
If you click on one of the links in this article and make a purchase, She’s Full of Lit may receive a small commission. It doesn’t add anything to your price — we promise! Thanks so much for your support.
