by Tom Rachman
First published 2010
Kathleen works as editor-in-chief at an English-language newspaper based in Rome, trying to rebuild her life after her husband's betrayal. Around her, the newsroom buzzes with equally troubled colleagues. Arthur writes obituaries while dealing with a personal tragedy that will transform his existence. Abbey manages finances as her professional and romantic lives collide unexpectedly. Beyond the office walls, a veteran freelancer in Paris fights desperately to get his article published. In Cairo, a new correspondent battles the ruthless manipulations of an egotistical war reporter. Meanwhile, the newspaper's new director cares more about his purebred dog Schopenhauer than the publication's fate. As the Iraq and Afghanistan wars rage and climate change dominates headlines, these journalists discover their most compelling stories are their own private dramas. The printed news era gives way to the internet age, and this flawed crew stumbles toward an uncertain future while slowly revealing the newspaper's rich history and the surprising truth about its millionaire founder's original intentions.
Genres: fiction, contemporary, 21st-century, journalism
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, personal-drama
Setting: Afghanistan, Cairo, Iraq, Paris, Rome
Period: Iraq War, Afghanistan War, Climate Change
360 pages · Paperback · Columna CAT