It’s a “radioactive thriller.” The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz may not skyrocket into the bestseller list but it’s a blast of a good read. Writer, Jacob Finch Bonner, Jewish-light author is in a funk. He suffers from a writer’s block or rather publisher’s rejection slips and poor sales after one successful run of his only book. Wallowing in self-pity, Jake accepts a teaching position at Ripley College in Vermont where he provides a pleasant atmosphere and advice for aspiring writers .” A slow burn at the start The Plot heats up until it becomes incendiary.
The momentum picks up with the introduction of a student named Evan Parker. Evan is a cretin. A creep. A jerk. Arrogant, obnoxious and pompous. A narcissistic braggart, Evan makes it clear he’s not taking the course to learn anything from others, “Anybody can be a writer.” Evan’s sole reason for taking the writer’s course is to get a degree. His book, he claims, will become a bestseller. It will catapult him into fame, attract the attention of millions of readers, movie directors will vie for his manuscript. The reason? His incredible plot! Nobody can beat it. With a great deal of coaxing from Jake, Evan privately shares the plot--- a strange story about a mother and daughter. No big deal really.
Four years pass. Jake continues to “chase his dream” to get his next book published. He is further reduced to teaching at an artist’s colony. While doing some computer research Jake wonders why his student has not yet published his so called great American masterpiece. To his surprise Jake finds some troubling news. Evan Parker, Jake’s ex-student died. Jake uses Evan’s plot and publishes a book called “Crib” without ever giving credit to “the idea” from his former student. The book becomes the Oprah selection, a literary sensation that rockets Jake into literary stratosphere. Everyone loves Crib. Popular radio interviewer Anna Williams however not only loves the novel but she adores its author, the man who could create such a brilliant plot. Beautiful and charming Anne and Jake marry and live in New York. Turns out Anne is a great cook. All good.
The e-mails from Talented Tom@gmail.com start to arrive on Jake’s computer with the unsettling messages “You are a thief ” accusing Jake of plagiarism. Anne becomes alarmed at the frequency of the e-mails with new threats to expose Jake. When the threats become more frightening Jake takes these very seriously. He drives up to Vermont to learn about the man whose plot has made Jake a literary superstar.
If you can afford a couple of sleepless nights and love to see the appearance of goosebumps on you arms, dare to read this novel. And if you can guess the ending in the first fifty pages, you should be writing fiction.