The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz

Celadon Books, 336 pages, $28

The ultimate meta-novel has been written. Author Jean Hanff Korelitz has pulled off a thrilling mystery, rich with plot and character and twisty insides. And it should also satisfy readers with a literal yearning for literate literature by the literary.

“The Plot” begins with a poor schmuck who unfortunately hit it big with his first novel when he was in his twenties. It is unfortunate because the schmuck, Jacob “Finch” Bonner, couldn’t manage an adequate successor book. He drifted further down the writing chain, from a few weeks of running a writing class at a low-profile school to eventually editing other people’s stuff, trolling online for new clients. (Let me pause and say I consider the work of editors and writing teachers to be sainted positions.) 

However, before Jacob hit his version of rock bottom, one day an arrogant, self-promoting “student” appeared in one of his last years of teaching a writing class in person. Although Evan Parker (nom de plume: “Parker Evan”) had never written a book before, he had written one now, which he claimed was a sure-fire bestseller, guaranteed to be on the New York Times best seller list. He didn’t want to share his writing, which sort of defeated the purpose of a writing class, Jacob informed him. Hahaha, Evan Parker/Parker Evan replied and basked in his high self-regard. But eventually Evan Parker revealed the plot to Jacob. Then several years passed, in which Jacob’s life fell into disrepair.

By chance, Jacob comes across some information which leads to his renaissance. But nothing good ever happens without A Price to Be Paid. Korelitz perfectly plots her book. The second half explores the mystery and a reckoning. “The Plot” has so many aha! moments, I am loathe to describe more about the book. I will say I was enthralled, I raced to the end, I was deeply satisfied.

MBTB star!

(P.S. You only have to pay half-price for this review.)