Brian has done something terrible, very terrible. On the night of the office Christmas Party, surrounded by all his friends and colleagues, he has just killed his boss. Or, so he believes.
But, how is it that Brian Farmer, a young, enthusiastic, talented architect, who loves his job, could do such a thing?
Meet Leonard, his victim. Famous, flamboyant, a powerful lion in the professional jungle, he has bullied Brian and others to satisfy a desire for greater fame and success, and in so doing, represents for Brian everything he hates about the profession.
With his best friend, Dave, he plots to win opportunities for themselves, but when they fail to come, Leonard uses Brian to win even greater fame for himself, when he is given the chance of winning a competition in collaboration with America’s hottest architect, Hank Nero. Brian assists Leonard in Los Angeles, but he’s an innocent abroad, and comes face to face with his failings, Nero’s fame, and power itself.
To make things worse, Brian suspects his highflying girlfriend, Kate, is cheating on him, while he has fallen in love with Lucy, a young secretary in the office. Poor Dave. He has loved the wrong person for too long, and begins to realise he needs to look elsewhere, to find a love more genuine. Petra, Leonard’s wife and business partner, who maintains a vice-like grip on the business, and who is nervous of change, is trapped in a loveless marriage, and can no longer tolerate her husband’s philandering. When she discovers an affair right under her nose, she uses Leonard’s embarrassing past to bring changes to her own life, and to the business.
Written in short, funny episodes, ‘Pride and Fall’ begins with Brian’s New Year resolution to change his life, and reaches a climax when, after a year of frustrations, he finally gives his boss the Christmas present he thinks he deserves.
Reviews:
“I thought the characters were drawn really well and life-like. Dave and Brian and Petra and Alistair etc - really well written, and thought through! What a crash bang ending! And how subtle, was it real, or a dream, or a drunk halucination? Very clever, and very well done. Now I need to get my hands on the sequel.”
SG. 2012”
*
“…extremely funny at times, and not without moments of real pathos. One feels oneself empathising with many of the characters, ridiculing others and even hating one or two. There is an underlying seriousness which is also much to be admired. Altogether very enjoyable and highly recommended.”
Buffshot. 2012
*
“With its cliff hanging ending, this is an excellent, disturbing and compulsive read, which reveals the dark savage underbelly of what is generally assumed to be a civilized, urbane profession.”
Letterman 2011
*
“It was great fun to read. I found it addictive, too. I hope there's a sequel.”
Aiai. 2011
