Goodman 2020

Pfeil's first novel is set early in the next century, when multinational companies are the true ruling power, unemployment is rampant and the poor are still getting the worst of it. This superficial extrapolation of current economic and political trends provides background for the story of Ernest Goodman, who is lucky enough to be working, even as a professional friend. When hired by the rich, he skillfully and self-effacingly adapts himself to their needs and tastes. His latest client, top executive Dick Devine of the powerful OMNICO Corporation, leaves Ernest prey to the same anarchic, terrorist violence that is ripping through the society. This long, vapid novel would be less irritating if readers were spared the author's lectures and personal interjections, which all too often explain the obvious. February 28