The Bestseller

Nice to get into the publishing world, I enjoy Olivia Goldsmith's style, she takes a lot of time to draw the picture, and to dig deep into the players, it was interesting and enjoyable. I am a big fan of hers, and this is one of her best.

I've only been published in textbook form, whereas this novel details the fiction world, but even my limited experiences tell me that Goldsmith is uncannily accurate in conveying the modern day publishing world. She uses an ensemble cast of characters, all connected with one publishing house, to expose the loony tune world which now prevails. The novel opens with the literary star of the bunch killing herself after receiving 23 rejection letters. This unleashes her mother upon the publishing world. The mother literally camps out in person in publisher's foyers, manuscript in hand. The publisher himself, rather than seeking stellar talent, forces his own books to publication but, bad as they are, he needs the company's computer whiz to jiggle the sales' data so that his books look like they are selling whereas others' look like they are not. Then there is Alf, the boyfriend-agent of a Rosmund Pilcher-like author, who ignores her when a boy wonder turns up with a hot manuscript, which he just happened to steal from his wife. There are likable characters too with romantic elements attached to them but the book is really "made" by its bad guys and gals. One of the least likable characters is the chief editor, who is a big, blowsy woman with commercial instincts which have taken her far. She gets all blown apart by her own greed and growing alcoholism. If you've ever wanted a glimpse into the modern day publishing world, you must read "Bestseller."

I could not put this book down, it was absolutely sensational! Goldsmith is a wonderful writer who lets the reader take a look of what it is like in the world of writing & publishing and what it takes stay on top! Goldsmith made all her characters come to life from the staff at Dash & Davis to all the writers trying to get their book published. It is an eye-opener for those who knlow nothing about this world and for those who do, realise how on the mark Goldsmith is.I enjoyed Bestseller so much so, I could not put it down at any point. The writing is great, the scenes made me laugh and wonder 'who' she was actually writing about!I will definately be getting another book by Goldsmith and this one was worth every cent.

Though I must admit Ms. Goldsmith's stories have their faults (pat endings, too much anti-male rhetoric, and extremely dorky last names like Clapfish) her stories are damn entertaining. This one was definitely no exception. I read the thing in one sitting--something I've haven't done in ages. The characters are cocky, funny, and very interesting. We're given a very informative look inside the publishing business. Even though it was easy to guess who Peet Trawley (V.C. Andrews) and Susanne Baker Edmonds (Danielle Steel) are inspired by, it's still kind of cool to see Ms. Goldsmith's take on both of them. Terry's overwhelming sense of rejection and Opal's grieving are very sincere and realistic. The friendship between Opal and Roberta is genuine and touching. Even the bitchy Pam Mantiss (whose name is way too obvious)is fascinating and even sympathetic (in a weird villian sort of way)at times. I even loved that odd little fellow named GOD. Despite it's flaws, I definitely recommend the novel. It's one that you won't get out of your head for a long time.

Although The Bestseller isn't flawless, it earns a 10 because it so enjoyable to read. As a former member of the lowest echelon of publishing house employees (the temp. worker), I can vouch that there is incredible tension to produce a hit. One might as well work in Hollywood. On the other hand, if there is actually any of the illegal or immoral activity that goes on in her book, I certainly didn't know about it! Goldsmith accurately pigeonholed the view publishers take with manuscripts -- they can't just be great books, they must have a selling angle, such as a "Pink" (romance or other `women's fiction), a "Dick" [a Tom Clancy-ish adventure or war novel], a "spook"[horror] or an "Uh-oh"[a murder mystery or suspenseful legal thriller]. One wonders if The Bestseller's hot pink cover was some sort of subtle implication. From what little industry "insider knowledge" I had, I could tell that Goldsmith was using actual facts which I found troublesome on two levels. First, I don't feel it's fair of her to embarrass a famous author's wife under the guise of fiction. Secondly, I would imagine that readers who didn't know "the inside scoop" would feel a bit alienated. However, I would say that her use of real-life publishing power brokers such as Daisy Maryles or Phyllis Grann was effective in making her fiction seem very realistic. My one other issue with her story [STOP READING here if you don't want any clues] involves one surefire book that inexplicably doesn't pan out at all. She even has her characters marvel at the book's demise, but it's a bit too convenient. Despite this, The Bestseller is chock-full of solid writing and five great stories, all of which end in a perfectly satisfying manner.