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Synopsis
"Vincent Spinetti is the archetypal tortured artist - a sensitive young writer who suffers from alienation, parental neglect, poverty, depression, alcoholism, illness, nervous breakdowns, and unrequited love. However, he is unaware that these torments are due to the secret manipulations of New Renaissance, an experimental organization that hopes to improve mindless mainstream culture by raising writers who emphasize artistic quality over commerce." New Renaissance hires ex-musician Harlan Eiffler to manipulate its most promising prodigy, Vincent. Wickedly antisocial and disgusted by what passes for entertainment in the twenty-first century, Harlan ensures that Vincent remains a true artist. He poses as Vincent's manager and nurtures his career, all the while continuing to torture him.
Library Journal
"I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this, but you will never be happy." So opens this surprisingly funny, anything-but-predictable story about a hapless, perpetually miserable young artist named Vincent and Harlan Eiffler, the manager being paid to make sure he stays that way. Foster Lipowitz, the ailing CEO of the world's biggest media conglomerate, feels guilty about his company's hand in churning out dreck disguised as entertainment. Dying from a slow cancer, Lipowitz tries to redeem himself by inventing an experimental company called New Renaissance. Children with artistic potential will be found and fostered, each by his or her own manager, until they are ready to produce works of timeless artistic merit for a massive audience. There's one catch: since all true works of art are the product of intense suffering by the artist, New Renaissance artists must have their lives manipulated (read: ruined) by their managers. Vincent's family home burns down, his dog dies, girlfriends love him and leave him-the list goes on. This novel, a pointed commentary on the media machine that continuously grinds away at our culture, is by turns hilarious, thought-provoking, chilling, and sad. Goebel (The Anomolies) is a quirky, fresh, and relevant voice for our time. Highly recommended for all public libraries.-Jyna Scheeren, Troy P.L., NY Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.