Thump

by Avraham Azrieli

T.M. Jefferson ("Thump"), a handsome African American man, joined a venerable investment firm in Baltimore five years ago as a junior analyst. Henrietta Kingman, a white partner in her fifties, took him on as her lover and protege, rewarding him with promotions and bonuses. But when Thump falls in love with a young nurse and attempts to end the relationship with Kingman, she fights back with unbridled viciousness. Faced with losing everything he holds dear, Thump files a lawsuit claiming sexual harassment. The dramatic trial cracks the facade of wealth and privilege, exposing the ugly truth - and then some.

278 pages, Paperback

First published January 16, 2014

About the author

Avraham Azrieli writes books and screenplays. His first novel was The Masada Complex (a political thriller), followed by the Israeli spy novels The Jerusalem Inception and The Jerusalem Assassin, as well as Christmas for Joshua (an interfaith family drama), The Mormon Candidate (a political thriller), Thump (a courtroom drama featuring sexual harassment and racism), and The Bootstrap Ultimatum (a mystery involving the commercialization of Memorial Day). More recently, he has written a series of novels inspired by the true story of the first woman to lead a nation in human history, starting with Deborah Rising (HarperCollins 2016), which won the 2017 Illumination Book Award for fiction, Deborah Calling (HarperCollins 2017), and continuing with Deborah Slaying and Deborah Striking. A prequel to the Deborah series, The Elixirist, was published in 2020. The Plot to Save America, a mystery set in an authoritarian America, came out in 2022.
Besides fiction, he has also authored Your Lawyer on a Short Leash - A Guide to Dealing with Lawyers and One Step Ahead – A Mother of Seven Escaping Hitler’s Claws, an acclaimed WWII true story, which inspired the musical By Wheel and by Wing.
While growing up in Israel, Avraham received an extensive Talmudic education and performed his mandatory military service in the IDF. After attending law school, he served as a law clerk at the Israeli Supreme Court in Jerusalem. He later earned an advanced law degree from Columbia University in New York City, served as a law clerk at the Federal District Court, and started his legal career with Davis Polk & Wardwell. He has advocated for clients before trial and appellate courts, including the United States Supreme Court. He currently lives near Washington DC. Like Ben Teller, the protagonist in The Mormon Candidate and The Bootstrap Ultimatum, Avraham often rides his motorcycle in the mountainous forests of western Maryland.
To learn more, visit www.AzrieliBooks.com
Avraham Azrieli's Books:
The Jerusalem Inception - "Boldly realistic plotlines and genuine, well-developed characters. Highly recommended!" Yahoo News/Politics. "Protagonist Jerusalem Gerster is the quintessential recruit." NY Daily News.
The Jerusalem Assassin - "Action-packed escapade ... memorable cast of characters ... pages turn as fast as the plot twists and locales shift, taking the reader from Paris to Zurich to Amsterdam to Tel Aviv." Jewish News.
The Masada Complex - "Brims with gritty authenticity ... a genuine treat!" David Liss, author of Conspiracy of Paper, winner of Edgar. "Riveting portrayal of global intrigue!" Stella Pope Duarte, author of If I Die in Juaréz, winner of the 2009 American Book Award.
The Bootstrap Ultimatum - "The real magic here is Azrieli's incredible ability to create well-developed characters as well as his skill in knowing how to draw in his readers." Examiner. “Fast-paced action thriller ... but also full of heart. Sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats." Hollywood Book Reviews. "Riveting. It doesn't get any better than this, folks!!" Sun Francisco Book Review.
The Mormon Candidate - "Plotted like a cinematic thriller, Azrieli has come up with a very powerful novel. At work here is his extraordinary magic in making his readers as eager as his protagonist in uncovering the truth and thus effectively creating pervasive fear and suspense. Sure to keep you up late against your better judgment. Don't say I didn't warn you." Norm Goldman, Examiner.
Thump - "A light-hearted romp through sexual proclivities ... the characters are lovable ... the irreverence is delightful. Thought-provoking. Interesting. Unconventional. Recommended!" U.S. Review of Books.
Christmas for Joshua - "In its own gentle way, the book is as much a page-turner as Azrieli's thrillers - pulling the reader into complex personal and familial conflicts." The Jewish Journal.

Reviews

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prepare your hearts, ladies and gentlemen, for they're about to thump and buzz with the utmost thrill! Prepare your hearts for... Thump!

Thump - whose real name is T. M. Jefferson - is a young African American man who seems to have it all - looks, a well-paying job, and a loving girlfriend. But things are not always as they seem. Henrietta Kingman, one of his white, much older, bosses, was the one who hired him and took him under her wing, and she sure can be the one to make certain he's fired. Which is exactly what she sets out to do, once Thump, having vowed to his now-fiancée that he's never touching another woman again, refuses to continue providing for his boss sexually as he has done since day one. Thump finds himself without a job, without the woman he loves, and stuck in a wheelchair - but, worst of all, without a future or dignity. Can a man whose bad choices led to his downfall find the justice he's so desperate about? 

Thump is a book that is most definitely NOT for the faint-hearted. Mr. Azrieli does a great job in showing a balanced yet thrilling example of the racism and the sexual harassment issues that occur in a very realistic work environment. Those two things are harsh enough as it is, but, combined together, they make the book's atmosphere seem that much more intimidating. The feeling gets even stronger since we don't have the classic "young beautiful woman who falls victim". No, we have a young man in his prime, which shows us that you don't have to be weak in order to be harassed and toyed with from your superiors. Those emotional shackles - those of guilt, of gratitude, of the false sense of duty to your employer - can be as strong and as repressive as physical ones - if not more. 

As realistic as his setting and world-building were, though, there was a certain flaw that the writer seemed to not consider. Thump is a character that, yes, had to put up with certain circumstances in order to reach the top. But the way he used his sexual prowess was not exactly tasteful. In fact, I would easily compare it to the way a high school cheerleader who's drunk at the graduation party uses the same act of human affection display: carelessly, and without style. That would be fine if he didn't suddenly do a 180 so abruptly in the story. All of a sudden, he's a one-woman's man, and tries his hardest to keep it in his pants. Awesome…Except that particular course of action was not believable. A character needs to be steady in personality traits, and changes like this cause a certain whiplash to a reader. It wasn't hard to understand why all those women he slept with found it impossible that he refused to keep up thumping them. He had been doing so while being in a relationship with Tiffany, before they were engaged, so what was the problem, right? As Ruth O'Connor herself told Thump's mother:
“When sex goes on for a long time without complaining, it creates an assumption that it’s consensual.”

Still, this didn't take away much of the excitement reading this book provided. While it was my first time reading a story that after a certain part, took place in a courtroom, I found it to be quite satisfactory and thrilling. Especially when it was O'Connor's turn to ask questions - the woman is a natural in witness evaluation and getting the clues she wants. If you're looking for a legal thriller with plot twists that can make your head spinning, this is definitely a book you will enjoy! 

Overall, Thump was a great read. The legal issues are accurately presented. My minor caveats aside, I still recommend the book highly and look forward to other titles from Mr. Azrieli.

ARC Reviewed by: Lydia Tsiamita, Hollywood Book Reviews

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Azrieli departs from his past collection of novels, leaving religion and politics by the wayside. Thurgood Marshall "Thump" Jefferson is an up and coming analyst, trying to climb the corporate ladder. Part of his allure to the rich, widowed clientele is his sexual prowess and willingness to close a deal by any means necessary. When he tries to steer away from his illicit type of activity to marry the woman of his dreams, it backfires and he is left out of work and scorned. When he takes his old firm to court for sexual harassment, the floodgates open and the legal arguments flare out of control. Issues of race, gender, and employment discrimination all come out in witness testimony, while Thump tries to clear his sullied name and his reputation. An interesting stand-alone novel with much to bring to the table, Azrieli offers the reader some interesting tidbits amidst the salacious sexual descriptions.

A completely new direction for Azrieli, and not necessarily one of which I am all that interested in him pursuing. This is the first (of two) novels in which he leaves the powerful political and/or religious angles out of his books, which really takes away from their impact. Granted, sexual harassment and race relations are issues worth tackling, even today, but the book missed its mark if the strong side seeks discussion. Perhaps I cannot see through some of the salacious sex to get the point across. but the book was not stellar, especially compared to his past works. I do hope he can leave this behind and return to the highly researched novels that leave the reader thinking a great deal.

Tepid work, Mr. Azrieli. I hope this is not a pattern to come.

[Pasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

First 25% of the book were just plain boring. Then a courtroom drama. Then a happy end. Enough said.

[Tahlia Newland · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Thump’ is a thought-provoking and entertaining novel about gender and racial stereotyping and prejudice. Thump, an Afro-American working in a predominately white business, thumps his female boss and any female client his boss sends his way. In return, she supports his career. When Thump asks his girlfriend to marry him, she asks him for a vow of exclusivity and he agrees, but when he says ‘no’ and ‘not any more’ to his boss, things start to unravel.

The more I reflect on it, the more wonderful the book seems. The author boldly raises a number of questions. At what point does exchanging sex for steps up the corporate ladder become sexual abuse? Can sex ever be truly consensual when one member holds power over the other? Can a woman rape a man? Does stereotyping encourage the negative behaviours they describe? Does the fact that someone is unaware that they're being abused make it any the less abuse. These are just some of the issues we encounter in this story.

It’s heady stuff, and highly relevant to modern multicultural societies. What is truly wonderful about this book is that it explores these questions with a powerful mixture of clever scripting, humour and pathos.
I use the word scripting instead of dialogue or plotting because the style of the book has a movie feel; first in the use of an omniscient point of view that tells the story purely though the characters actions as viewed from outside. Never do we get inside a character’s head. We don’t feel their heart sink and so on; we know how they are feeling from the author’s description of their actions, posture, facial expressions and dialogue, just as it is when we watch a movie. I call it the matter of fact style, and its focus on the facts is very appropriate for a courtroom drama. Though some will miss the closeness we often feel with characters in a book, this remoteness removes the likelihood of any mushy sentimentality on our part and makes sure that we focus on the issues rather than any one character.

The other cinematic aspect was the way the courtroom scenes were structured with flashbacks for the witnesses’ stories. Instead of us hearing the characters tell their story, the author took us back to the actual scene where we lived it with them, and through their stories we pieced together what had happened to bring Thump from a fine young man with prospects to a virtual cripple ostracised by business society.
Sex as barter is a big issue in this book and the author handled the mechanics well, once using the viewpoint of a chauffeur as a way to describe a sex scene without being too explicit. It also gave a voyeuristic feel, hinting that other people, despite what they say in the courtroom, would likely have heard something to give them an inkling of what was going on, but like the chauffeur, and the rest of society, we walk away. The one scene that was explicit was shocking in its violence, perhaps particularly so because the woman was abusing the man.

I particularly enjoyed the lawyer’s handling of the court case, especially her way of cutting though people’s prudishness about sex by saying the kinds of things we might think but normally wouldn’t dare say out loud in public.

I highly recommend this book to all who love a thought-provoking story with great dialogue and clever, and often very funny, courtroom antics. 5 stars.

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Thump" by Avraham Azrieli is another captivating novel, this time covering issues which sometimes are hidden away behind closed doors or are flaring up like the festering sores that they are. The main character, Thurgood Marshal Jefferson, 'Thump', naively gets into a situation fresh out of Grad school that for a young upwardly mobile man seems great, but takes years and a lot of pain and anguish to finally get out of. KKG, a gleaming bastion of American Capitalism has had a deep dark secret hidden inside that is the cancer which could tear it down, figuratively and literally. "Thump" is a social commentary on harassment, both sexual and racial. "Thump" does a great job bringing out the feelings and frustrations experienced by people embroiled in these issues. I think my favorite character in this brief novel is O'connor. A self-defrocked Judge representing Mr. Jefferson in his suit against KKG. You love to hate her and then find out she is probably one of the strongest characters in the book. Her background in the book is almost beyond belief, but it works in the plot. Again, I think my biggest complaint for Mr. Azrieli's novel is that it was too short. I love his writing and the way he pulls me and and gets me involved in the plot, I just wish they were longer.

[Lisa R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great novel by Azrieli. Fast paced, short enough to read in one day and exciting enough to leave you breathless at the end. Thump is racier than his other novels and explores the dirty little secrets of a prestigious, all white investment firm that hires a black associate under the guise of improving diversity. "Mentored" by the older female partner, Thump becomes a sex toy for her and her wealthy female friends that she brings to the firm. Thump reaps the rewards of his "services" in the firm and eventually is promoted to VP after saving a major account that is suing the firm. Thump celebrates the promotion by getting engaged to his long time girlfriend. He vows to her to never touch another woman again. But keeping that vow proves to be a lot harder than he thought when he tries to go legit with his mentor. What happens next will keep you on the edge of your seat as his sexual harassment claims expose more than he thought when he takes the firm to court.

[Lcdk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thump is an overall absolutely awesome book from start to finish. It wasn't long until I found myself hooked right into Thump, and that didn't subside until the very end of the story. I must admit, at first I was expecting a thriller that was archetypal and generic like all of the others I come across these days... Instead, I pleasantly stumbled upon by far one of the most top quality books that I have come across all year. There's something about the writing style that drags you deep right into the story, giving the reader clues as to what may happen next, leaving them guessing... then suddenly- twists and turns come out of no where, adding a new element to the plot and a new layer of intrigue to the story. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but if you're huge thriller fan - as I am, then you absolutely must not overlook this read under any circumstances. Definitely worth checking out!

[Falysha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This read is all around a great addition to my reading list. This is my second by this author and although far different from Christmas for Joshua, it has the same heart-warming truth be told storyline. It is both heart wrenching, funny, naught, and serious at times it needs to be. The antagonist of the book is downright amusing, Kingsman is by far the most amazing character I've come accross in a while.

Get prepared to have a courtroom twister.
Brings in indecision and worldy views about the ever so controversial racism card, stereotypes of job categories, sexism, and bias of workplace etiquette.

From the religious outspoken mother, to the problems that come with dating and marriage. Here is the real New York City Coporate world.

[Megan Blamires · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thump is about a young black man trying to work his way up in a predominantly white company where his employment is tied to his willingness to trade sex for favors with his female boss as well as her prospective clients. It's a plot line that has been written over and over about women but rarely about a man, especially a man that would appear to be strong and powerful. The ensuing court drama that results when he refuses to continue sleeping with the boss highlight the anguish and embarrassment he faces as a victim that doesn't look like anybody's victim. The story takes you very much into the mind of the lead character, and through his realization that he's got very few options and none of them appealing.

[Kelly Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading Thump very recently. I don't often read fiction so try to be choosey in my selection. In a nutshell it's about, "A young and handsome African American, his white female boss, and an explosive sexual harassment trial that threatens to destroy the richest investment firm in Baltimore." Sounds intriguing enough as is, but it's not what you expect it to be. The plot twists, roles are reversed, the future of the characters and big business hangs in the balance. Love, racism, betrayal, privilege and wealth are all woven into one well-written drama with a climatic ending. Once you get into the book you won't want to put it down! I love courtroom dramas, and this is a story that will remain on my virtual bookshelf for years to come!

[Katie Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a bunch of Avraham Azrieli’s novels, and have enjoyed them all. Recently my husband and I both finished Thump. My husband is an atty so I had him read it too thinking he’d enjoy the legal tale that I’d enjoyed so much. He agreed with my thoughts on the book. All of Azrieli’s novels have characters that are very well developed, Thump is no exception.
This book touches on so many issues; it really has something for everyone. This is the perfect twist on the theme of sexual harassment in the workplace as the “harassed” is a man trading sexual favors for benefits within the firm and to attract clients.
I’d highly recommend this read!

[Michael Provitera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avraham Azrieli writes another successful novel. The dialogue between the characters is tight and moving. "Thump" captures the essence of a strong man, beautiful women, and an entertaining yet intense story. It starts with a well-built African American pressing heavy weight dumbbells while his beautiful girlfriend is exercising beside him and cheering him on. The story builds up as tensions rise in a mix of business and sexual conflicts. The trial, which is at the heart of the novel, is compelling and suspenseful. Overall, "Thump" is an enjoyable and captivating novel with a well developed ARC leading to a powerful climax.

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Legal thriller about high finance, sexual harassment and racism (not necessarily in that order).

The main character, Thump, is a handsome and ambitious black man working his way up in an exclusive, lily-white investment firm. But much of his ladder-climbing is the result of his ability to play the stud to his boss...to prospective clients... to rich widows. The raunchy opening, however, widens into a realistic and absorbing character study after he brings a sexual harassment suit following his sudden firing. Enjoyable and well-written... highly recommend.

[Sharron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely the sauciest of Avrieli’s novels. It’s a whirlwind tale of sex, race, racism, the law, infidelity and the workplace. This book takes a very different tone from his other writing and sheds an interesting light on sexual harassment when the tables are turned. The sordid tale makes you wonder what kind of corruption is going in offices across the country. I highly recommend this book.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing thought provoking story that causes the reader to examine the roles that race, socioeconomic class, and gender play as a young black man working as a financial adviser is involved in a number of unethical situations in the workplace with older white women. While the topic and characters were very different from Azrieli’s other novels, this is written in the same captivating manner. Each character is incredibly well developed, and you learn the history that has shaped them.

[Janja K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great novel!

“Thump” is a great novel with so many interesting themes that will definitely not leave you indifferent: there is a lot of drama, emotion, suspense, inequality, abuse and many other themes that make the story interesting.

The book is well written great to read - It has great plot, great characters and very captivating story with interesting twists. Overall, it is a great read, I really enjoyed reading that book and I am sure that you will enjoy it too. I recommend it!

[Thomas Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great novel, I enjoyed it from start to finish! The plot is easy to follow and entertaining. Some of the material is probably R-rated, so it is definitely not a children's read, but from around 15 and up, a great and worthwhile read! It is obvious that there was some definite research involved, and thus makes the read that much more enjoyable. Thanks!

[Anabell · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT book. I love this writer!!
Im a fan of Mr. Avraham Azrieli, I believe this book is well done, good pace, it keeps my attention beginning to ending. I have read all his books and what I like the most is that this one is also unique, the way he tells the story is entertained and wise. THUMP is a excellent option for any kind of readers.

[Jessica Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment I picked up this book I couldn’t put it down. The story was captivating and intense, as was the dialogue between characters. That being said the characters were strong and seemly perpetuated themselves. The plot was fantastic and flowed along without any dull parts at all. I loved it!

[India · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me going from chapter two until the end. You will feel for every character in the book by the end. I think this book is great because it explores an largely ignored topic--sexual abuse from the man's point of view. It's to say what I like about this book without becoming a spoiler, but I must say that ANYONE who enjoys drama will enjoy this book. I'd recommend it to young adults.

[Eb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Avraham Azrieli does it again with the addition of "Thump" to his pantheon of literary works. This book is exciting and keeps you interested from start to finish. Azrieli always creates unique characters and epic plot twists. This book is a must read. I highly recommend it.

[Tamara Altman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book – great read. Super suspenseful and hard to put down. I became really intrigued with the characters very quickly and never lost interest. Very provocative and well written. Highly recommend!

[Ericha Fabay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a delight. I love the way the author created characters that were as interesting as the controversial topics of racism and sexual harrassment.

[Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Thump! Read my full review: http://readingisawayoflife.blogspot.com/

[Awesome Indies Book Awards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Indies Book Awards is pleased to include THUMP by AVRAHAM AZRIELI in the library of Awesome Indies' Badge of Approval recipients.