Monday, July 22, 2013

The Deep Whatsis-Peter Mattei

The Deep Whatsis


Peter Mattei

Other Press, Jul 23 2013, $15.95

ISBN 9781590516386



Thirtyish egomaniac Eric Nye works as the Chief Idea Officer at Tate ad agency. His boss insane “pit bull” Barry Spinotti assumes the job entails innovation and new ideas, which in Eric’s mind means nouveau art, but deep in his soul he understands his position denotes firing people.



Nye appreciates the finer things in life like waking up to the rising sun over the Williamsburg Bridge, the best dining in New York and possessions like his “Dalai Lama Edition Tibetan” rug; but especially sleeping with the beautiful people. When he enjoys a night with the Unkindest Cuts Intern who cannot hide her passionate need for him, Nye fixates on owning her while her infatuation turns irrational too.



The Deep Whatsis is a terrific satire that lampoons abusive corporate values in which dignity means nothing. Nye the idea’s guy is a wonderful antagonist who will remind the audience of J. Pierrepont Finch in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying as stepping on others is an acceptable part of the culture. Although the end feels out of place, readers will relish Peter Mattei’s mirthful mocking of the amoral money-makers.



Harriet Klausner



No comments: