The Rizzoli Contract (Paperback)

The Rizzoli Contract is described as a literary thriller- literary both because it focuses deeply on what is taking place within Harry Donohue (its main character) and because the contract of the title is a book contract- not the contract put out on someone's life (as I had assumed, going in.)

A good read? Yeah. But it would have been jazzed up by more hit men. More rocket launchers. And spaghetti sauce.

Don't get me wrong: this is an ably written novel. The blurb about the author says that, when working for a publishing company back in the 80's, he penned the real-life police corruption expose that this fictional contract is based upon. Since then? An unelaborated "number of books." Read: ghost writer. Stevens is likely the capable guy they call in to do the "heavy lifting" when whichever faded sports star of TV idol decides to tell-all. I'm glad to see that he delivers, when finally putting his own name to a piece if prose. It's something to be proud of. It's just not that exciting.

Plot summary: a fifty-something Bostonian, failing to safeguard the family business which his siblings have entrusted to him, casts all his wits and strength into a make-or-break gamble. Can he turn Rizzoli's story into a bestseller that will revive the fortunes of Donohue Press? Can he keep his grubby old-man mitts of of Rizzoli's wife? Can he make amends with his own family, especially his estranged son? Over the course of 330 pages, all is revealed.

The real appeal of the book is its portraits of Boston, the 80's, and Harry. (Get your reading glasses checked if you can't see the plot twist coming a mile away). There are some fantastic descriptions, and the spirit of that place in time is captured with complete authority. This is honest. It's the real deal.

It's just that real life is the thing that foolish young eegits like me pick up books to escape.

Three and a half stars outta five, and another anecdote in evidence that ex-pat eyes capture with amazing clarity their native country.

The setting for the book (Boston) is expertly and lovingly described. I did feel that Stevens overdoes the metaphors in many of his descriptions, but the atmosphere is set very well.

All fiction must have strong character and plot.

A book written in the first person must have an especially strong character (Harry D) and I believe Stevens delivers this. Harry is on a downward spiral and the story centres on his one last shot (a book about a crook called Rizzoli) at making it to the big time.

It's just that the plot starts off great, but for me - loses some momentum.

Perhaps this book should be read quickly to get better enjoyment.