Martin Lukes: Who Move

by Lucy Kellaway

Lucy Kellaway, author of In Office Hours, invites you into the world of Martin Lukes, Marketing Director and adopter of every corporate fad going, in her astutely observed and wickedly funny office satire Martin Who Moved My Blackberry? Meet Martin Lukes, Director of Marketing, A&B Global (UK) A year in the life of an A-playing brand ambassador suspended halfway up the corporate ladder. Must be read with a can-do headset. 'Enormously funny, touching...should become an instant classic' Financial Times 'Acutely and hilariously observed' Evening Standard 'Hilarious' Sunday Times Management Columnist for the Financial Times, Lucy Kellaway, lampoons modern corporate culture in her two Martin Who Moved My Blackberry? and In Office Hours. You can follow Lucy on Twitter @lucykellaway or on her Financial Times blog and podcast.

Genres: Fiction, Humor, Comedy, Business, Contemporary, Satire, Audiobook

384 pages, Paperback

First published July 7, 2005

About the author

Lucy Kellaway is the management columnist at the Financial Times. Her column is syndicated in The Irish Times. In addition she has worked as energy correspondent, Brussels correspondent, a Lex writer, and interviewer of business people and celebrities, all with the FT. She has become best known for her satirical commentaries on the limitations of modern corporate culture. She is a regular commentator on the BBC World Service daily business programme Business Daily. At the British Press Awards 2006 she was named Columnist of the Year.

Reviews

[Nino Meladze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very funny! Something I really needed to entertain myself and enjoy a bit of reality humour.

[Bookshop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy Kellaway is a journalist with the Financial Times. In addition to her Monday columns, in which she humorously berates the silliness of corporate life, she creates Martin Lukes, a director of the British branch of a fictitious US multinational. Lukes has his own weekly column in the Financial Times in form of e-mail exchanges.

Her column, one of the very few things I look forward to on Mondays, is in the line of Fortune's Stanley Bing (who has since come out of the closet and written numerous management books himself). The difference is that she is an observer looking in and he is a been-there-done-that executive.

The book captures a year of Lukes' life divided into months and days and then e-mails. Through these e-mails we get into Martin Lukes: his personality, his family, his job, his company, and most importantly, his management style. Through Luke, we plunge into the seemingly clever and grand but actually nonsensical and hollow corporate life. This satire of the business life is , of course, exaggerated but, in some instances, very real.

Corporate slaves have a lot of to learn from Lukes:
a. 'TOAD' management really works: step on the heads of your subordinates to jump to the next level.
b. Network, network, network. It is the only way to progress with minimal amount of work. (Networking can otherwise be defined as fanatically and brainlessly flattering someone more influential than you for future benefits).
c. E-mail is the best way to show that you are working. Hard.
d. You can achieve success by glossing every aspect of yourself. There are various tips you can learn in the book. For example: never say busy, it's 'in demand'. There are no weaknesses. Only Less Strong Strength.
e. Etc.

The short email forms (unlike the pretentiously long e-mails in Andrew & Joey: A Tale of Bali by Jamie James*) in simple, conversational English makes the whole reading light and pleasurable. I finished the book in one day flat.

Like any 20 year old embarking into the glamorous life of finance, I too, was guilty of fascination of these sorts of things: mindless meetings of inflated importance which result in much-admired overtime, the must-have Palm V or branded organizer, the financial lingoes enough to think outsiders that we spoke in Klingonese, etc. Then, one day, I met my own Martin Lukes. That changed the course of my life. I am sure you've met one or two yourself and that what makes the book so fun.

When you sigh in regret for finishing the book so fast, take a look at the cover for one last treat provided that you buy the British edition. It is an entertainment in its own right.

The book is highly recommended for light reading after work. I will not bring this book for holiday as it will only remind you on why you dread returning to the office after the wonderful holiday.

*Note: I've never actually read the book but I've flicked through it long enough in bookshops during my agonizing indecision on whether to buy as I had nothing to read. I've never gotten around to buy it despite the 'good' review and good cover (yes, I do judge a book by its cover) due to 2 factors: price and pretentiousness.

[Drew · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked up Kellaway’s book since it seemed like a fun read for the summer. It’s a very quick read, even though it’s about 350 pages long. It’s quick because the whole text is a series of email messages sent to and received by the main character, Martin Lukes. It’s a novel, no pun intended, way of telling a first-person story. Martin starts off as the director of marketing for a multinational company and the narrative winds its way through the year, January to December. This seemingly personal approach shows us Martin’s ego, vanity, and selfishness, echoed through his own dim-witted emails and the responses back to him. Many of you may have worked with or for a Martin in your careers, but this guy is really over the top. I didn’t overly enjoy this book, but that might be partly due to my distaste for the main character, who was the only fully-drawn person in the novel. If you’re interested in a unique way of telling a story, check this book out for its technical escapades. If you’re in the mood for something else, give this book a second thought before picking it up.

[richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frivolous fun - was once the primary reason for reading the Financial Times. The main character's an unpleasant self-centered egotistical man, but there are a lot of them about, no harm in poking fun at the self-deception at the heart of that type of person. I was disappointed when it stopped being serialized, so when I realized it was available as a book I had to read it - a bit of binge reading after having been forced over years to wait a week for the next installment. Almost as much fun in a book format, but when it was a weekly installment somehow the character felt more believable - my recollection is that the weekly emails were more random and somehow less predictable - perhaps the effort of imposing a plot with resolutions within the length of a single book has reduced its humor somewhat. I'd love to believe this pre-dated and served as an inspiration for Ricky Gervais when he came up with 'The Office' in 2001, but I can't say with any certainty, perhaps it was the other way around.

[Ross Vincent · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I have said before, one of my reading weaknesses is journals and diaries. Well, with the 21st century comes the newest versions- blogs and e-mails. This novel falls under this newest category. During the course of one year, the reader is introduced to the successes and failures of Martin Lukes, a director of Marketing at a Global company (that seems to do NOTHING… I am wondering if this the same company that Dilbert works for…). Using messages sent by e-mail, blackberry, and text messages, one watches the guy struggle to get ahead in a company that seems to be going nowhere, making a name for himself and subtly undercutting his coworkers, while trying to avoid all responsibilties at home with his family. (At one point, while reading the book, there is a section about the company wanting to find a new name for itself; the next day, at my RW job, we got a similar memo about trying to come up for a name for a new process we are starting… The irony of it was NOT lost on me). I would HIGHLY recommend this book for anyone who is looking for a few laughs at the ridiculous of the corporate world

[Azalea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really funny and absurd. Great satire! Let's creovate =)

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

man, Lucy Kellaway has got this character nailed down perfectly. It made me laugh but also cry because arseholes like that are running our world.

[Didienvoyage · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finde das Buch allgemein gut und eine kreative Kritik an der heutigen Unternehmenskultur. Allerdings nicht ganz happy mit dem Ausgang der Geschichte ...

[Dan Sihota · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I first saw this book consisted of a series of emails being exchanged in a office, my instinctive response was to get myself a copy.

A story consisting of an exchange of emails is simply a modern version of an epistolary novel, which prior to the internet age would have consisted of a series of written documents, such as letters or journal entries. I first came across this modern epistolary format a few years ago when I read e by Matt Beaumont (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...) which I found absolutely hilarious. Inevitably, any story consisting of emails and set in an office will be compared against e and its sequels, and when compared to these books, I do think Who Moved My Blackberry? comes up a little short, however, this does not mean that this isn't an enjoyable read.

A few years ago a book was that received a great deal of publicity, particularly from those who are obsessed with self-improvement in the modern age, was Who Moved My Cheese? (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...?) while this book can claim to have attracted many enthusiastic readers, it would be fair to say it also attracted many critics, including many people who will dismiss this modern obsession with self-improvement as something fake and superficial. The title: Who Moved My Blackberry? is clearly a parody of Who Moved My Cheese?, and immediately informs the reader that the story itself is also a parody of life in a modern office. The story is quite simple: a year in the life of Martin Lukes, a middle manager at a multinational who is looking to further his ambitions of climbing the corporate ladder and is prepared to give any fad a go which might help him fulfill his ambitions.

My main criticism of this book is that most of the emails we read are those sent by the main character, hence the bulk of the story is told from his point of view, I think I would have enjoyed the book more had there been more from the other characters, this way we could see things from other people's point of view, and I think it would have been a great way of highlighting some of the "back stabbing" culture in a modern office environment.

From my point of view, while I think the premise of this book is really great, I don't think it lived up to the high expectations I had for it. Having said that, this is by no means a bad book, I am sure anyone who has ever worked in an office environment can relate to many of the characters in this book, and while this book may not be hilariously funny, it is a highly enjoyable read.

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you want a book that will make you feel a bit depressed and like you should have no faith in humanity, then this is the book for you.

It was all a bit rubbish. To be fair, I work in an office and yes, I did find parts of the book amusing. The beginning even started off quite well.

Then the focus on sexism (and how it was dealt with), affairs that were in some cases forgiven (?) and just the general horridness of the people made me realise this was not a good book. It was a book that made me feel terrible.

Why would someone willingly read this perception of an office environment? It was not healthy.

[Kellie · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a colossal waste of time. Maybe I just don't relate enough to it to "get" it. I was told this book was very funny, but the only part amusing to me was when the person that took the Blackberry started to send those crazy emails.

I thought Martin was a grade-A ass. I didn't like the way he did his job and I didn't like the way he treated the people around him. I also didn't like how an email from the HR person mentioned Martin's "sister" and her "accident" but that situation was never mentioned again. I kept hoping he'd get caught.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever looked over someone's shoulder while they're on their blackberry then this book will definitely satisfy your "peeping tom" tendencies. In sumation, the book is set-up to look like a log of all of Martin Luke's e-mail and text correspondence. How he's always the "victim" and it's clear he's the office "jerk".

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amusing spin on 'Who Moved my Cheese'. I loved how the sector he works in is never identified as essentially it has no bearing on the nonsense passing for work that this man does. If you've ever felt swamped by the business-speak which passes for communication in many large organisations today, this will raise a wry smile of recognition. Now go out there and pick that low-hanging fruit.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whew. What a depressing book. Martin Jukes, corporate climber and buzzword sycophant, is our main character. He lies, cheats, schemes, and writes incessant e-mail in his bid to win power and fame and fortune at the top. In the process, he jeopardizes his children, his wife, his company, and himself. Written with a humorous tone, but, to me, it was painful to read.

[Jackie Trimble · Rating 5 out of 5]

God help me, I know people like this!

[Veronika S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it loved it loved it. Really funny and witty - a must read for anyone working in corporate Britain. As good as Lucy FT column and a much better read than "office hours".

[Anna Senina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Возобновление забытого стиля - роман в письмах.

Понравится работникам крупных корпораций и любителям сарказма =)

[Julian Lees · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great fun!

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who Moved My BlackBerry is the hilarious story of Martin Lukes and his struggle to reach the top of the corporate ladder and become “22.5 percent better than his bestest”.

The book is written entirely as a series of emails from Martin to his coach, his wife, and colleagues at work. The writing is tight, with very little description, apart from what someone would write in an email, which makes the story fast paced, especially if you are used to reading countless emails every day.

What I liked about the book was the amusing but uncomfortable reminder that I myself often slip into using many of the corporate phrases used by Martin, the protagonist. Reading it has made me hyper-aware of the awful business clichés used in our daily lives.

Initially I felt the story would be complex and hard to follow due to the email-based narration. However, the complete opposite is true. I really enjoyed this book, and recommend it to anyone who works in an office and wants to be a better person!

[Eddy · Rating 1 out of 5]

The diary - using text messages - of a self absorbed, un-self aware man. Unlike Adrian Mole, who could be forgiven for his many flaws because he was a teenager, and had some redeeming qualities, the protagonist of this novel is thoroughly unlikable. Even though I generally prefer happy endings, I didn't feel Martin Lukes deserved the one he got. Gets one star because there is some humour - particularly in terms of the corporate consultants who keep getting drawn in to 'help' the company at enormous expense - and some subtlety in how some of the minor characters are drawn. If the main character had been less universally awful I would have liked the book more, I suspect, but this one is headed straight back to the charity shop.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told through emails and texts 'Who Moved My Blackberry' is a year in the life of marketing supremo Martin Lukes. Crass, two-timing, sycophantic, and self-promoting, Martin is a director at a-b global (we never discover what they do) who tries to balance work with family life and fails miserably. Support comes in the form of his online life-coach, Pandora, who believes in Martin and that he can be 'better than his best'. The self-help mumbo-jumbo and corporate bullshit are cringe-inducingly funny. Very 'creovativeTM' Lucy Kellaway! Amazingly, for such a David Brent character, I did have some sympathy for Martin.

[Nicholas Whyte · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://nwhyte.livejournal.com/3746279.html

Classic novel of corporate life in London, as expressed through the emails of Martin Lukes, both self-obsessed and utterly un-self-aware, working through hubris, nemesis, and just possibly catharsis. You can spot pretty early on what is going to happen - as soon as the attractive new PA comes on the scene, it basically writes itself (her surname is actually Tartt, in case you needed the obvious pointed out to you even more clearly) - but having said that I anticipated the middle part of the book, Kellaway brings in a couple of twists at the end that I admit I did not expect.

[Jade · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was really enjoyable and humorous (despite the main character being a total arse) until the main character literally assaults his wife who is trying to leave him then essentially forces her to stay with him to raise the consequential baby.
For some reason the assault is just skipped over and things are almost sunshines and rainbows after.

His wife was a likeable and relatable character, a strong and successful woman in her own rights. But then she just lets him get away with assaulting her with no consequence and allows him back into their home to raise an unwanted child in an unhappy home.

A very disappointing end to an otherwise enjoyable book.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Satire of modern corporate life gives us one year in the life of Martin Lukes, a senior manager at AB Global. Entire book is done as a series of emails to & from Martin. Author Kellaway is a weekly columnist at the London Financial Times and she obviously knows a lot about how corporations function.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who hates LinkedIn with a passion, this book is a great satire of business culture. It was great to analyze this character from his emails and messages alone, slowly uncovering his hypocrisy and bad nature. I wouldn't recommend this to everyone, but definitely to my peers and friends who share my humor.

[Suzy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light hearted and the perfect antidote to a day of jargon in the office. It doesn't pretend to be anything other than a pleasantly daft piss-take, which is all to the good, and the acknowledgements are brilliant. A good commute book to snigger along with.

[Farooq · Rating 2 out of 5]

Format was unique with emails from the point of view of the protagonist. some genuinely funny parts as well. How he managed to perform and not get fired in the end remains a mystery with me. Probably my india mindset. All in all a passable read if one likes to read books about work culture, but absolutely not to be mistaken to be in the league of dilbert and Co.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Listened to the audio which was well read, but the protagonist is such a despicable character it was hard to get into the book and root for him. The ending seemed too cookie-cutter, tied up with a bow. Would not recommend it.

[Eileen Pace]

Light, interesting approach. Entire story told through emails of one corporate marketing director and his life coach. Funny, weird and British. You can see right through this guy. Interesting to me because of corporation communications.

[Ritu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Waste of time

Comical but a waste of time. It reminded me of the frivolity of life in the office which I can relate to but I felt I wasted a good afternoon.