Syrup by Max Barry
(Buy it at Amazon)

So I’ve finally gotten myself a copy of Syrup, Max Barry’s first book. Whilst Company was about office politics and Jennifer Government was about capitalism, Syrup is about the image-driven world of marketing. We follow Scat and 6 (yes, Barry loves screwing with the conventions of peoples names, just like in Jennifer Government) as they try and climb the corporate ladder at Coca-Cola.

Not surprisingly, the path to success is far from easy, nor guaranteed. There’s double-crossing and backstabbing galore, with twists and turns all the way. The pace is sharp and there’s heaps of laughs to be had. If you weren’t already cynical about marketing then you’re definitely going to be after reading this (and that’s probably not a bad thing I would say).

The screenplay for Syrup has just been finished. Make sure you read this before they start filming so you can say you were an original fan (!)

Another great Barry book. Given Company was only just released I’m guessing we’ll have to wait another few years for his next book. I can’t wait.

Company by Max Barry
(Buy it at Amazon)

(Yes another book review - I’ve been reading a bit lately)

Max Barry is one of my favourite authors. Granted I’ve only read two of his books but he’s only written three. The other one I’ve read is the terrific capitalist-world-gone-mad story of Jennifer Government which I might review if I read it again.

Company is a novel about company politics. Specifically, the friction created between us and them (senior management) and the Sisyphean task of doing work that seems to the people actually doing the work to be completely pointless. We follow Stephen Jones, a new recruit to the Zephyr Holdings. Jones is simply not satisfied with his co-workers ignorance at what the company actually does (I think the quote is “we’re a holding company - we hold things” but I can’t find it right now) and seeks more information.

That’s it for the plot. I’m not telling you anything more. I really didn’t see the next part coming. People on the train must have thought I was channelling a goldfish because my mouth was opening and closing in amazement and what happened next. Like in Jennifer Government Barry takes a concept and pushes it to the extreme, but never to the unbelieveable. This is an immensely appealing book because who hasn’t had to deal with a hierarchical and faceless management team and/or a monotonous and meaningless job at one point in their life?

Recommended.