Poignantly Prophetic.

Largely unappreciated at the time of its publication, Don Dilello's hypnotic and dizzying treatise on technology, economics and mortality has gained a startling new relevance. The novel presents us with the story of Eric Packer, a jaded and cynical billionaire grown old before his time who embarks on a strange and beguiling urban odyssey in his futuristic linousine on a particularly hectic day in NYC with the seemingly trivial goal of getting a haircut from a very specific barber. Along the way we are privy to Packer's interactions with his wife, employees, bodyguards and lovers as he boldly mixes business with pleasure and engages in a protracted financial and professional suicide, all while being hounded by anti-capitalist protesters , pie-throwing agitators and a mysterious assassin. Packer may seem like a vague and fanciful character to some but in today's world of crypto, NFTs and rampant idealization of self-made men he is frighteningly plausible and realistic, as are many of his bizarre misadventures and interactions with the people around him. The story is hilarious, disturbing and poignant in equal measure and exemplifies Dilello's deft mastery as one of the greatest and most forward thinking American authors of his time. The audiobook is also very well produced, with underrated character actor Will Patton delivering a spirited yet dryly ironic narration that suits the tone of the narrative very well. Highly recommended.

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