Tycoon

Constantine Sthanassis recounts his tumultuous rise from poor Greek island boy to international shipping magnate in this eventful, if protracted, novel. From his first million, it is apparent that the world conspires to reward Sthanassis. The law cannot touch him, the world's most desirable women flock to him, emerald mines yield their richest veins for his exploitation. Towards the end, though, these high-stakes goings-on by land, sea, and air begin to pall. There is, however, consolation in the vibrant and memorable characters Sthanassis meets along the way. The author, himself a financier, vividly depicts life in the fastest of lanes, reminding us that it's not all first-class travel and emeralds. (July 28)