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Mécanique de la chute
Seth Greenland’s witty, clear-eyed new novel is a story of interconnecting lives, in which generations, races, and religions converge and conflict.
Jay Gladstone was born to privilege. He is a civic leader and a generous philanthropist, as well as the owner of an NBA team. But in today’s New York, even a wealthy man’s life can spin out of control, no matter the money or influence he possesses.
Jay sees himself as a moral man, determined not to repeat his father’s mistakes. He would rather focus on his unstable second marriage and his daughter Aviva than worry about questions of race or privilege. However, he moves through a sensitive and aware world: that of Dag Maxwell, the black star forward, and white Officer Russell Plesko, who makes a decision that has resonating consequences—particularly for DA Christine Lupo, whose hopes for a future in politics will rest on an explosive prosecution.
Set during Barack Obama’s presidency, this artful novel illuminates contemporary America and does not shy away from our scalding social divide: why is conversation about race so fraught, to what degree is the justice system impartial, and does great wealth inoculate those who have it? At times shocking, but always recognizable, this captivating tale explores the aftermath of unforgivable errors and the unpredictability of the court of public opinion. With a brilliant eye for character, Greenland creates a story that mixes biting humor with uncomfortable truth.
Jay Gladstone was born to privilege. He is a civic leader and a generous philanthropist, as well as the owner of an NBA team. But in today’s New York, even a wealthy man’s life can spin out of control, no matter the money or influence he possesses.
Jay sees himself as a moral man, determined not to repeat his father’s mistakes. He would rather focus on his unstable second marriage and his daughter Aviva than worry about questions of race or privilege. However, he moves through a sensitive and aware world: that of Dag Maxwell, the black star forward, and white Officer Russell Plesko, who makes a decision that has resonating consequences—particularly for DA Christine Lupo, whose hopes for a future in politics will rest on an explosive prosecution.
Set during Barack Obama’s presidency, this artful novel illuminates contemporary America and does not shy away from our scalding social divide: why is conversation about race so fraught, to what degree is the justice system impartial, and does great wealth inoculate those who have it? At times shocking, but always recognizable, this captivating tale explores the aftermath of unforgivable errors and the unpredictability of the court of public opinion. With a brilliant eye for character, Greenland creates a story that mixes biting humor with uncomfortable truth.
719 pages, Paperback
First published August 21, 2018
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517 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 14, 2018
A big and ambitious novel set in NEW YORK
The Hazards Of Good Fortune is a story of riches and intrigue. Jay Gladstone, his sister Bebe, and his brother Franklin are heirs to the Gladstone dynasty. They run one of the biggest real estate companies in New York, and have recently expanded overseas into a casino in Macau, and property in South Africa. They are on the up and up.
Jay owns an NBA franchise in New Jersey, has a trophy second wife (although, actually, she is an educated and experienced ex-Washington insider), and is awaiting planning permission to build the tallest and architecturally most splendid building in Brooklyn. He has a grand apartment in Manhattan, and an impressive home in Westchester County. What could possibly go wrong?
The answer is really quite a lot. Jay is accused of racism (and worse). He spends a night in custody and there are plans to bring him in front of a grand jury. Racism is something he vehemently denies. The Gladstones are Jews, and he knows what it is like to be in a racial minority. The company contributes massively to bursaries for black students, and most of his NBA team and coaches (who Jay totally respects) are also black. He sees himself as being absolutely colour blind.
There are a number of of complementary sub plots incorporated into the book. They all give different insights into modern America, and help build a complex picture of the country as it is today (or, rather, as it was in 2012 – when Obama was in power for his first term). There is D’Angelo Maxwell (Dag), the ageing star player of the NBA franchise team that Jay owns, who is looking for one more mega contract / payday and the lucrative endorsements that will come his way. There is Jay’s daughter, Aviva, who is in college and associating with radical and anti-Israeli elements – much to her father’s concern. They plan anarchist attacks on the establishment. There is a district attorney, Christine Lupo, who is seeking to use the non-grand jury indictment of a white policeman harshly accused of murdering an unarmed (and naked) black man – and the balancing grand jury indictment of Jay for racism (and worse) to kick start her campaign to become Governor of New York State. All these disparate strands somehow come together, and fall into place, in the final chapters of the book.
As I said at the beginning, The Hazards of Good Fortune is a big book in every sense. There were over 600 pages in the edition that I read. It is also big in its scope. A wide ranging look at New York and the elements that make up the city. It has the feel of a family saga covering many generations – yet the plot is condensed into just a few short weeks, The writing style plays on the emotions. At times it is downright funny, at times it is sad, and at times it is really thought provoking. What is the place of racism in today’s America? How equal is the justice system – or will wealth always win through? How can radio chat shows blatantly ignore the rules of slander, and the proposition of ‘innocent until proven guilty’?
A really good and highly recommended read.
The Hazards Of Good Fortune is a story of riches and intrigue. Jay Gladstone, his sister Bebe, and his brother Franklin are heirs to the Gladstone dynasty. They run one of the biggest real estate companies in New York, and have recently expanded overseas into a casino in Macau, and property in South Africa. They are on the up and up.
Jay owns an NBA franchise in New Jersey, has a trophy second wife (although, actually, she is an educated and experienced ex-Washington insider), and is awaiting planning permission to build the tallest and architecturally most splendid building in Brooklyn. He has a grand apartment in Manhattan, and an impressive home in Westchester County. What could possibly go wrong?
The answer is really quite a lot. Jay is accused of racism (and worse). He spends a night in custody and there are plans to bring him in front of a grand jury. Racism is something he vehemently denies. The Gladstones are Jews, and he knows what it is like to be in a racial minority. The company contributes massively to bursaries for black students, and most of his NBA team and coaches (who Jay totally respects) are also black. He sees himself as being absolutely colour blind.
There are a number of of complementary sub plots incorporated into the book. They all give different insights into modern America, and help build a complex picture of the country as it is today (or, rather, as it was in 2012 – when Obama was in power for his first term). There is D’Angelo Maxwell (Dag), the ageing star player of the NBA franchise team that Jay owns, who is looking for one more mega contract / payday and the lucrative endorsements that will come his way. There is Jay’s daughter, Aviva, who is in college and associating with radical and anti-Israeli elements – much to her father’s concern. They plan anarchist attacks on the establishment. There is a district attorney, Christine Lupo, who is seeking to use the non-grand jury indictment of a white policeman harshly accused of murdering an unarmed (and naked) black man – and the balancing grand jury indictment of Jay for racism (and worse) to kick start her campaign to become Governor of New York State. All these disparate strands somehow come together, and fall into place, in the final chapters of the book.
As I said at the beginning, The Hazards of Good Fortune is a big book in every sense. There were over 600 pages in the edition that I read. It is also big in its scope. A wide ranging look at New York and the elements that make up the city. It has the feel of a family saga covering many generations – yet the plot is condensed into just a few short weeks, The writing style plays on the emotions. At times it is downright funny, at times it is sad, and at times it is really thought provoking. What is the place of racism in today’s America? How equal is the justice system – or will wealth always win through? How can radio chat shows blatantly ignore the rules of slander, and the proposition of ‘innocent until proven guilty’?
A really good and highly recommended read.
June 24, 2018
5 Stars..highly entertaining. Brought to mind Tom Wolfe’s A Man in Full which I loved.
May 2, 2018
I have not remained engrossed in a 500+ page book in a very long time, but this book was unputdownable. It reminded me a lot of Bonfire of the Vanities, but updated for the 21st century. Highly recommend!
August 23, 2018
What a great read. Hilarious and timely and true...
May 24, 2022
This book is a lot of rich people out of touch with reality: Jay Gladstone, who isn't racist because he loves black culture; Dag Maxwell, aging pro basketball player; Christine Lupo, District Attorney desperate to be governor. I want to say they're caricatures of real people, but this is how people are. It's entertaining like tabloids are, how they're not very interesting but you also can't stop reading to see what kind of stupid things they're going to do.
If you read this expecting something profound, you're going to be disappointed. It's a satire of everything, from billionaires to social justice warriors. Everything is cringe-worthy, and you watch each of these characters dig deeper and deeper holes for themselves. They all hit rock bottom in one way or another.
Part profound, part ridiculous, just like how all of us act.
If you read this expecting something profound, you're going to be disappointed. It's a satire of everything, from billionaires to social justice warriors. Everything is cringe-worthy, and you watch each of these characters dig deeper and deeper holes for themselves. They all hit rock bottom in one way or another.
Part profound, part ridiculous, just like how all of us act.
September 3, 2018
A satire of the very wealthy New Yorkers and everything to do with contemporary America - race relations, university politics, class issues. Though quite caricatural and slightly annoying at first, it gathers pace and is ultimately quite entertaining
January 1, 2023
Page turner, though long. I looked forward to my time each day with it. Easy to read but rewarding. Four stars of five: utterly fulfills the premise of the genre without stretching/breaking the boundaries of our expectations for the genre.
I liked that there were three main characters, all full of hubris. Only one of these three, Jay, undergoes growth. He seems to makes growth-leaps twice, in my opinion, within the last 50 pages.
The Seder near the middle of the book was excellent comedy. That part especially felt like a dinner scene from Timon of Athens or other Shakespeare comedy.
The author uses an intermittent omniscience perspective, briefly taking us inside the heads of main characters D'Angelo, Jay, and Christine, especially, but also Lourawls, Franklin, et al. Greenleaf tries to portray the thought processes of various ages, races, and genders. I would like to hear other folks reactions to these parts.
This story is overflowing with memorable characters: The Hazards of Good Fortune is a textbook of how to do character development. We probably have 20 vivid folks in our imagination by page 100, but they are effortless to keep track of for some reason.
In general, there is much laughter while you read this book. I recognize this might be a function of how closely you fit the demographic of the main character (and presumably of the author). I agree with the reviewer here who noticed "everyone in the story is a type". But again, it makes this book feel like a Shakespeare comedy, or if you find value in the characters of a musical, it feels a little like that.
Greenleaf keeps moving the dial for each character portrayal: sympathetic vs cringy - throughout the book. This is satisfying. All are redeemable, all are flawed and the "type" thing makes all of them sort of funny.
This book is high quality, worth the time, and a very easy read.
I liked that there were three main characters, all full of hubris. Only one of these three, Jay, undergoes growth. He seems to makes growth-leaps twice, in my opinion, within the last 50 pages.
The Seder near the middle of the book was excellent comedy. That part especially felt like a dinner scene from Timon of Athens or other Shakespeare comedy.
The author uses an intermittent omniscience perspective, briefly taking us inside the heads of main characters D'Angelo, Jay, and Christine, especially, but also Lourawls, Franklin, et al. Greenleaf tries to portray the thought processes of various ages, races, and genders. I would like to hear other folks reactions to these parts.
This story is overflowing with memorable characters: The Hazards of Good Fortune is a textbook of how to do character development. We probably have 20 vivid folks in our imagination by page 100, but they are effortless to keep track of for some reason.
In general, there is much laughter while you read this book. I recognize this might be a function of how closely you fit the demographic of the main character (and presumably of the author). I agree with the reviewer here who noticed "everyone in the story is a type". But again, it makes this book feel like a Shakespeare comedy, or if you find value in the characters of a musical, it feels a little like that.
Greenleaf keeps moving the dial for each character portrayal: sympathetic vs cringy - throughout the book. This is satisfying. All are redeemable, all are flawed and the "type" thing makes all of them sort of funny.
This book is high quality, worth the time, and a very easy read.
February 24, 2019
Delicious
This is a long book which just flies by because it is so good. Fast paced, well written, insightful, meaningful, Dickensian in scope. A modern story of our world. Timely. Just read it. Once you start you won’t stop. I’ve read all of Seth’s books and loved all of them.
Highly recommended.
This is a long book which just flies by because it is so good. Fast paced, well written, insightful, meaningful, Dickensian in scope. A modern story of our world. Timely. Just read it. Once you start you won’t stop. I’ve read all of Seth’s books and loved all of them.
Highly recommended.
August 25, 2018
In the late 1980's, Tom Wolfe published "The Bonfires of the Vanities", which was acclaimed as a profound, satirical look at the go-go 1980's in New York City. I read it at the time but thought it was snarky and filled with unlikable characters who were little more than caricatures. Now, I don't mind "unlikable" characters, but they have to be INTERESTING "unlikable" characters, which I didn't find Wolfe's to be.
Thirty years later, author Seth Greenland has published "The Hazards of Good Fortune", which is a wonderfully written story of New Yorkers in 2012. They are a mix of wealthy, poor, professional basketball players and members of their entourages, black, white, famous, and, of course, those "on the make". The central character is Harold Jay Gladstone, around whom the rest of the characters revolve. Jay Goldstone - he had dropped the "Harold" early on - is a wealthy property developer (NOT Donald J Trump), who has lived a good life. Some would say he has lived a good and giving life "despite" his vast wealth, but he is a man who has given back to the community-at-large vast amounts of charitable funds. He has built parks and endowed college scholarships for many poor students. While not a particularly observant Jew, he has tried to live up to the Jewish ideals of giving to others. But the acquisition he is most proud of is his ownership of an NBA team, based in Newark, New Jersey. One of the team members - the star, actually - is Dag Maxwell, who is coming to the end of his productive years. Dag wants one more big contract, but Jay and the team officials aren't sure of Dag's "economics".
From that starting point, Jay Gladstone's life begins to unravel. Family members, friends, business and sports associates roll in and out of the story. Almost all have a bit of a back-story and Seth Greenland's genius as a writer is to draw these people as "real" and not caricatures. The reader is interested in the characters and what happens to them in the story. The book's quite long - 600 or so pages - but the writing is so good that I never once was bored. In a year that I've read many great novels, this one might be the best. It's not a "literary" novel, to be sure, but it's a damned readable one.
Thirty years later, author Seth Greenland has published "The Hazards of Good Fortune", which is a wonderfully written story of New Yorkers in 2012. They are a mix of wealthy, poor, professional basketball players and members of their entourages, black, white, famous, and, of course, those "on the make". The central character is Harold Jay Gladstone, around whom the rest of the characters revolve. Jay Goldstone - he had dropped the "Harold" early on - is a wealthy property developer (NOT Donald J Trump), who has lived a good life. Some would say he has lived a good and giving life "despite" his vast wealth, but he is a man who has given back to the community-at-large vast amounts of charitable funds. He has built parks and endowed college scholarships for many poor students. While not a particularly observant Jew, he has tried to live up to the Jewish ideals of giving to others. But the acquisition he is most proud of is his ownership of an NBA team, based in Newark, New Jersey. One of the team members - the star, actually - is Dag Maxwell, who is coming to the end of his productive years. Dag wants one more big contract, but Jay and the team officials aren't sure of Dag's "economics".
From that starting point, Jay Gladstone's life begins to unravel. Family members, friends, business and sports associates roll in and out of the story. Almost all have a bit of a back-story and Seth Greenland's genius as a writer is to draw these people as "real" and not caricatures. The reader is interested in the characters and what happens to them in the story. The book's quite long - 600 or so pages - but the writing is so good that I never once was bored. In a year that I've read many great novels, this one might be the best. It's not a "literary" novel, to be sure, but it's a damned readable one.
July 17, 2018
Seth Greenland has written in every form (plays, film, TV—my favorite Big Love) and many genres (satire, roman a clef, comic noir, noir, realist—my favorites before this one The Bones and The Angry Buddhist), and now he's tackled The Great American Novel. The title is an obvious play on Wm Dean Howells' A Hazard of New Fortunes, which like this novel takes on the big themes, the big social divides, and the big moral questions of the day, and like the Howells book, it is also about New York City and its haves, its have-lesses, and its have-nots. He's working on a very big canvas, and he touches more than one third rail in the process. He manages to find some humor in a very tense & conflicted world (Big Love!), but this is a classic realist novel, engaged with its characters and their reality in ways that make us reflect on our own. His most important book.
July 17, 2018
The Hazards of Good Fortune is the best and most compelling novel I have read in recent years.
It is on a par with, and this generation's equivalent of, Tom Wolfe's Bonfire of the Vanities.
Seth Greenland has written a tour de force that brilliantly defines and brings to life many of the important currents and cross-currents that are pulsing through contemporary American life. of The writing is sharp, incisive, evocative. Beautifully crafted scenes spring off the page. There is high drama, mystery, intrigue, and the satisfaction of recognizing so many of the physical and behavioral details described. The Hazards of Good fortune is a guaranteed page turner. Do not miss the best read of the year.
It is on a par with, and this generation's equivalent of, Tom Wolfe's Bonfire of the Vanities.
Seth Greenland has written a tour de force that brilliantly defines and brings to life many of the important currents and cross-currents that are pulsing through contemporary American life. of The writing is sharp, incisive, evocative. Beautifully crafted scenes spring off the page. There is high drama, mystery, intrigue, and the satisfaction of recognizing so many of the physical and behavioral details described. The Hazards of Good fortune is a guaranteed page turner. Do not miss the best read of the year.
December 14, 2018
A story about super wealthy Jay and his denouement, interwoven by comments on race and gender relations in the US. This was a rather irritating read. Overall far too long with completely unnecessary back and side stories; 100 or so pages could have been taken out; when focussing on the main plot and characters the prose was fast paced but lacking in any subtlety or nuance. The last couple of hours had me hooked but ultimately disappointed after a rather limp ending.
July 17, 2018
And they said, it couldn't
be done. Finally, someone has written a worthy successor to The Bonfire of the Vanities. Those familiar with his past work already know Mr. Greenland is a master chronicler of urban angst. But this time he has outdone himself. Highly recommended to anyone with a pulse.
be done. Finally, someone has written a worthy successor to The Bonfire of the Vanities. Those familiar with his past work already know Mr. Greenland is a master chronicler of urban angst. But this time he has outdone himself. Highly recommended to anyone with a pulse.
December 7, 2018
Had to force myself to finish this one. The story was alright (although far from perfect... a plot with a police shooting that seems to be set up to be the book's main theme is suddenly dropped for another thread)…. but the real problem is the writing. Not good. This is paint by numbers stuff, no joy in this prose. And almost 600 pages. Ugh. Avoid it.
July 25, 2018
The Hazards of Good Fortune is a topical yet personal novel that addresses a number of important contemporary issues with insight, humor and pace. In this crazy time in American society, we are lucky to have Seth Greenland who has the ambition and talent to create fiction that matters.
July 16, 2018
I really, really liked this book. Fascinating characters with a complicated, layered plot, very relevant to today's news. A page turner!
October 28, 2019
Couldn’t get through it. All the characters were stereotypes
January 5, 2024
Seth Greenland's "The Hazards of Good Fortune" plunges us into the precarious world of Jay Gladstone, a wealthy real estate magnate whose seemingly charmed life unravels like a Greek tragedy. The initial setup is gripping: a privileged but not overly self-aware man grappling with personal ambition, family conflict, and the shifting sands of societal privilege. Greenland's satirical touch shines in these early chapters, poking fun at the delusions of the upper crust and the fickle nature of public opinion.
The plot hurtles forward with a diverse set of characters including his family (second wife, sister, brother, and daughter all play big roles), business associates, the coach and star player of the basketball team he owns, a cop who shoots a mentally ill Black man, the prosecutor deciding how to handle the murder, and several more. They are a peculiar mix of providing different perspectives that makes you semi-sympathetic to each of them while also often feel like one-dimensional stand ins for particular points.
In many ways it feels like The Bonfire of the Vanities but updated for the 2010s—with the precursor to Black Lives Matter, the Occupy movement but also Obama in office. And technology, viral videos and the like.
However, as the narrative crescendos, some cracks begin to show. The satire, while still present, loses its subtlety at times, verging on the heavy-handed and didactic. Certain plot points feel contrived, stretching credulity as Jay's descent spirals into the realm of the fantastical.
The most intriguing character, Jay himself, unfortunately becomes the weakest link in the final act. His downfall, initially nuanced and relatable, morphs into an exaggerated caricature of his flaws. We're left wanting more depth, more exploration of the psychological complexities that would have driven such a complete breakdown.
Ultimately, "The Hazards of Good Fortune" is a captivating read with flashes of brilliance, but one that fails to fully capitalize on its initial promise. While the plot might not perfectly stick the landing, the biting satire and exploration of privilege offer plenty to chew on. For readers seeking a sharp social commentary wrapped in a juicy, albeit slightly uneven, drama, Greenland's novel delivers a thought-provoking ride, albeit one with a bumpy landing.
[DISCLOSURE: I co-wrote this review with Bard. I told Bard my general views of the novel, it composed the review, I then edited it--adding and subtracting points. I don't plan to do that often but was curious how it would work.]
The plot hurtles forward with a diverse set of characters including his family (second wife, sister, brother, and daughter all play big roles), business associates, the coach and star player of the basketball team he owns, a cop who shoots a mentally ill Black man, the prosecutor deciding how to handle the murder, and several more. They are a peculiar mix of providing different perspectives that makes you semi-sympathetic to each of them while also often feel like one-dimensional stand ins for particular points.
In many ways it feels like The Bonfire of the Vanities but updated for the 2010s—with the precursor to Black Lives Matter, the Occupy movement but also Obama in office. And technology, viral videos and the like.
However, as the narrative crescendos, some cracks begin to show. The satire, while still present, loses its subtlety at times, verging on the heavy-handed and didactic. Certain plot points feel contrived, stretching credulity as Jay's descent spirals into the realm of the fantastical.
The most intriguing character, Jay himself, unfortunately becomes the weakest link in the final act. His downfall, initially nuanced and relatable, morphs into an exaggerated caricature of his flaws. We're left wanting more depth, more exploration of the psychological complexities that would have driven such a complete breakdown.
Ultimately, "The Hazards of Good Fortune" is a captivating read with flashes of brilliance, but one that fails to fully capitalize on its initial promise. While the plot might not perfectly stick the landing, the biting satire and exploration of privilege offer plenty to chew on. For readers seeking a sharp social commentary wrapped in a juicy, albeit slightly uneven, drama, Greenland's novel delivers a thought-provoking ride, albeit one with a bumpy landing.
[DISCLOSURE: I co-wrote this review with Bard. I told Bard my general views of the novel, it composed the review, I then edited it--adding and subtracting points. I don't plan to do that often but was curious how it would work.]
November 14, 2024
Le titre de ce roman est absolument parfait. Il décrit en quatre mots cet engrenage de faits qui se met en route, dès les premières pages, pour aboutir à la chute de Jay Gladstone, un roi de l'immobilier new-yorkais.
On se laisse emporter par l'histoire de la vie, au premier abord, parfaite de Jay Gladstone. Il a hérité de l'empire familial qu'il gère avec sa famille, il forme un couple en vue avec Nicole, sa deuxième épouse, il a un projet de construction prestigieuse sur le point d'aboutir, il est propriétaire d'une équipe de basket… L'élite américaine, telle qu'on la représente dans les films et séries, sous la présidence Obama.
Nous le savions déjà : l'argent ne fait pas le bonheur. Seth Greenland nous le confirme en faisant vivre à son héros une succession de petits évènements (son épouse qui veut un enfant alors qu'il était convenu qu'ils n'en auraient pas, des relations difficiles avec sa fille unique, des soupçons sur la probité de son cousin avec qui il gère l'empire familial, la star de son équipe de basket qui veut renégocier son contrat) qu'il ne sera pas capable de gérer correctement. Il va accumuler les questionnements, la colère, la rancune et les incompréhensions jusqu'à l'incident ultime qui va stopper net sa belle vie. Il ne parviendra pas à sortir du cycle de la machine infernale qu'il a contribué à mettre en marche.
Il y a clairement deux parties dans ce roman. La première, un peu lente, pose très précisément les personnages et leurs relations. C'est la "mécanique" du titre. La deuxième, avec un rythme très enlevé, qui décrit la "chute" du titre, est tout aussi intéressante. J'ai juste regretté que la toute fin soit aussi rapide.
Un très bon roman sur la complexité de la société américaine.
On se laisse emporter par l'histoire de la vie, au premier abord, parfaite de Jay Gladstone. Il a hérité de l'empire familial qu'il gère avec sa famille, il forme un couple en vue avec Nicole, sa deuxième épouse, il a un projet de construction prestigieuse sur le point d'aboutir, il est propriétaire d'une équipe de basket… L'élite américaine, telle qu'on la représente dans les films et séries, sous la présidence Obama.
Nous le savions déjà : l'argent ne fait pas le bonheur. Seth Greenland nous le confirme en faisant vivre à son héros une succession de petits évènements (son épouse qui veut un enfant alors qu'il était convenu qu'ils n'en auraient pas, des relations difficiles avec sa fille unique, des soupçons sur la probité de son cousin avec qui il gère l'empire familial, la star de son équipe de basket qui veut renégocier son contrat) qu'il ne sera pas capable de gérer correctement. Il va accumuler les questionnements, la colère, la rancune et les incompréhensions jusqu'à l'incident ultime qui va stopper net sa belle vie. Il ne parviendra pas à sortir du cycle de la machine infernale qu'il a contribué à mettre en marche.
Il y a clairement deux parties dans ce roman. La première, un peu lente, pose très précisément les personnages et leurs relations. C'est la "mécanique" du titre. La deuxième, avec un rythme très enlevé, qui décrit la "chute" du titre, est tout aussi intéressante. J'ai juste regretté que la toute fin soit aussi rapide.
Un très bon roman sur la complexité de la société américaine.
October 15, 2019
Fascinant. Ce qui m’a le plus enthousiasmé, à la lecture de ce fabuleux roman, c’est la précision de la mécanique narrative (et en cela le titre français est plus pertinent que l’anglais, Les Périls d’une bonne fortune). Toutes les pièces d’horlogerie du récit s’emboîtent à merveille les unes dans les autres, ce qui rend la lecture absolument haletante. Toute la complexité de la société américaine contemporaine est somptueusement rendue dans l’implacable récit de la chute de Jay Gladstone, ce magnat de l’immobilier new-yorkais au grand cœur, pris dans une tempête qui le dépasse complètement. Les personnages sont travaillés dans toute leurs dimensions, ainsi par exemple de la fille du milliardaire, Aviva, personnage à la fois exaspérant et finalement sauvé. Si le roman a quelques points communs avec Le Bûcher des vanités de Tom Wolfe, il n’en constitue en aucune manière un copié-collé. Le roman de Seth Greenland a sa propre originalité ; il reflète des problèmes de la société américaine qui ne se posaient pas du tout dans les mêmes termes il y a trente ans. A mon avis, ce livre est un chef-d’œuvre.
January 8, 2023
The Hazards of Good Fortune by Seth Greenland is an absolute masterpiece. This book is a stunning story filled with complex characters and a captivating plot; this book is sure to leave you wanting more. As the story progresses and readers become more invested in the characters, they face an onslaught of moral dilemmas that force them to take stock of their beliefs and values. Not shying away from taking on controversial topics, the author takes a balanced agnostic stance, allowing both sides to be explored before drawing any conclusions. With brilliant writing, compelling character development and thought-provoking themes, The Hazards of Good Fortune is a must-read for anyone looking for an engaging read.
October 3, 2018
The Hazards of Good Fortune is a superb read by Seth Greenland, a gifted and prolific writer. The book is gripping and extremely relevant and contains Greenland’s typical amazing insights into the motivations and behaviors of people from all walks of life and backgrounds without judgement abd with a healthy dose of empathy in that you are inside the head and heart of all involved. His use of language is precise and inspired. It’s a wild ride, funny, edgy – you can’t put the book down. I’d say Greenland has outdone himself, but if I’m being honest I have thought each novel of his has been brilliant (his plays too). I’m addicted.
October 25, 2018
Never heard of this author previously. So glad I saw a review in the Los Angeles Times and decided to take a chance as the description of the story intrigued me. What a fantastic author and story teller. At 600+ pages never once did I hesitate to completely enjoy the engaging story of a life coming apart at the seams. I certainly had sympathy for the protagonist and was hoping until the end he would overcome his travails. Highly recommend this book.
April 29, 2022
Politically correct
liberally-oriented
American light entertainment,
in which all baddies are republicans and vice versa for the aspirational characters.
Reminiscent of some indifferent tv drama…
But it was not all that bad. The depiction of some characters (e.g. Franklin and his boys) was amusing, and the plot was fast-pacing.
(I might actually need to revisit my rating to two stars at some point). :)
liberally-oriented
American light entertainment,
in which all baddies are republicans and vice versa for the aspirational characters.
Reminiscent of some indifferent tv drama…
But it was not all that bad. The depiction of some characters (e.g. Franklin and his boys) was amusing, and the plot was fast-pacing.
(I might actually need to revisit my rating to two stars at some point). :)
May 21, 2019
This is such an involved story that it is clearly going to be a movie. The situations described are so visual and the conversations, comebacks, arguments, exaggerated characters and settings scream to be acted out in a movie. I found it a little hard to get into this but then it began to get more compelling. I liked it overall- questioned some motivations and decisions- but it is a good read.
February 2, 2019
Terrific book
I liked everything about this book. I really enjoyed his choice of vocabulary, not daunting but useful. It has a Jewish appeal but with some explanation I believe it would be universally loved.
I liked everything about this book. I really enjoyed his choice of vocabulary, not daunting but useful. It has a Jewish appeal but with some explanation I believe it would be universally loved.
February 23, 2020
An updated version of The Bonfire of the Vanities with a more detailed moral playing field.
September 6, 2020
L'intrigue est excellente ou comment un homme d'affaires irréprochable à qui tout réussit peut basculer suite à un accident improbable.
Après,question style, bof...ça met longtemps à démarrer et l'écriture n'est pas transcendante.
Au final, divertissant sans être addictif.
Après,question style, bof...ça met longtemps à démarrer et l'écriture n'est pas transcendante.
Au final, divertissant sans être addictif.
February 6, 2021
Génial,
Une grande saga américaine avec de la politique, des émigrés, du racisme et des personnages qui ont tous leur part d'ombre...
La troisième partie est un peu abrupte, mais la chute elle-même est forcément abrupte aussi.
J'ai adoré.
Une grande saga américaine avec de la politique, des émigrés, du racisme et des personnages qui ont tous leur part d'ombre...
La troisième partie est un peu abrupte, mais la chute elle-même est forcément abrupte aussi.
J'ai adoré.
March 26, 2021
Bonfire of the Vanities on steroids. Six hundred plus pages and I couldn’t put it down. Obscene wealth, social media, basketball stars, infidelity, politics, and betrayal...it only takes a moment for everything to fall apart.
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