The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz was an extremely clever book. Jean Hanff Korelitz was a new author for me but based on this book I would definitely read other books by her. I listened to the audiobook that was well narrated by Kirby Heyborne.
The Plot could be described as a psychologically suspenseful novel. It explored the morals of writer’s plagiarism. What would you do if you were given the privilege of listening to a plot for a book from one of your students and were convinced along with your pompous student that it would become a successful, best selling novel? That was the dilemma Jacob Finch Bonner faced. He was teaching a writing course at a small unknown master’s program when this happened. Jacob had written two novels already but he was experiencing writer’s block when he tried to write his third book. He never forgot the plot of the story his disrespectful student told him during office hours so many years ago. Jacob continually watched for the book to be published but it never materialized. As Jacob dug further into his student’s life he discovered that his student had died. At that point, Jacob made the decision to borrow the plot and write the book himself. It was an instant success as he knew it would be. Jacob became a celebrated and well accomplished author. Jacob never stopped looking over his shoulder, though. Would he be accused of stealing someone else’s story?
The plot was a fast paced, page turning book. I could not seem to stop listening to this book. It was suspenseful but a little too predictable. I guessed the ending well before it was presented. The characters were well developed and complex. Jacob may have been too trusting and a little naive but likable. I really enjoyed reading The Plot and would recommend it very highly.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen this advanced copy of this audiobook of The Plot through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
The Plot could be described as a psychologically suspenseful novel. It explored the morals of writer’s plagiarism. What would you do if you were given the privilege of listening to a plot for a book from one of your students and were convinced along with your pompous student that it would become a successful, best selling novel? That was the dilemma Jacob Finch Bonner faced. He was teaching a writing course at a small unknown master’s program when this happened. Jacob had written two novels already but he was experiencing writer’s block when he tried to write his third book. He never forgot the plot of the story his disrespectful student told him during office hours so many years ago. Jacob continually watched for the book to be published but it never materialized. As Jacob dug further into his student’s life he discovered that his student had died. At that point, Jacob made the decision to borrow the plot and write the book himself. It was an instant success as he knew it would be. Jacob became a celebrated and well accomplished author. Jacob never stopped looking over his shoulder, though. Would he be accused of stealing someone else’s story?
The plot was a fast paced, page turning book. I could not seem to stop listening to this book. It was suspenseful but a little too predictable. I guessed the ending well before it was presented. The characters were well developed and complex. Jacob may have been too trusting and a little naive but likable. I really enjoyed reading The Plot and would recommend it very highly.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for allowing me to listen this advanced copy of this audiobook of The Plot through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own