A remarkable follow-up to Brodesser-Akner’s 2019 novel (and subsequent FX miniseries) Fleishman Is In Trouble. But where Fleishman deals largely in sex, Compromise trades primarily in a topic that’s arguably more taboo: money. Or, more accurately, the very particular Semitic sort of generational wealth that usually is cultivated thanks to a singular work ethic and, often, a livelihood that’s tethered to mundane but necessary materials.
Jewish American family The Fletchers are rich. The patriarch, Carl, runs a polystyrene empire (also known as styrofoam; see: mundane materials) started by his father, who escaped Europe during the war. The novel opens with Carl’s kidnapping in 1980, and, after a large ransom is paid, he is returned home a week later to his family and everyone moves on. But, of course, they don’t.
The novel follows Carl’s three outrageously screwed-up grown children—LA screenwriter Beamer, nervous land-use attorney Nathan, and brilliant, bratty perpetual student Jenny as they attempt to navigate adulthood in the shadow of an event from 40 years before that has irrevocably traumatized the Fletcher family. And then there’s the issue of all the money going away.
Literally anybody who appreciates family sagas, postmodern fiction, and really great and funny writing will love this book, but I imagine Jewish American readers will feel a particular kinship to the novel thanks to its razor-sharp send-ups of familiar traditions, obsessions, verbal patters, definition of success, and superstitions.
—Perrie Samotin, digital director
Out now
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