Family Fortunes

An aging industrialist calls his three daughters together and tells them he plans to divide his business empire among them. The youngest enrages her father by refusing his offer. When the old man's trusted adviser intercedes for the girl, he is fired. In another tycoon's home, an ambitious son schemes against his brother. Sound familiar? Substitute Jack Edgeworth for King Lear, Adeline and Nora for Goneril and Regan, Nell for Cordelia, Winston for Kent, Edmond for Edmund, and various glittery watering holes for the heath. Dress the players in designer suits instead of furred robes. Send them to battle in the boardrooms of Paris and New York where Adeline, Nora and Edmond fight for control of Jack Edgeworth's empire. Or, better still, stick with Shakespeare's version. Neufeld (Lisa, Bright and Dark) has written a novel that is strong on brand-names and bed-hopping but weak on characterization and pacing. In the end, most of the frenetic activity here signifies nothing. (January 27)