Changes

|title=Falling Sideways

|author=Thomas E Kennedy

|reviewer=Louise Laurie

|buy=Yes

|borrow=Yes

|pages=304

|publisher=Bloomsbury

|isbn=978-1408812396

|website=http://www.thomasekennedy.com/BookContents/Books.aspx#Newest

}}

Kennedy, although a New Yorker, has lived in Copenhagen for over twenty years so he'll have a good feel for the European slant on the novel, I would think. It is one of four called the Copenhagen Quartet. The top brass, the movers and the shakers at the 'Tank' are introduced to the reader one by one and have a whole chapter devoted to their individual lives, both professional and private. So we get a very good idea indeed of their homes, their neighbourhoods, their families and perhaps more importantly, their thoughts on the Tank and of their colleagues.

And the thing is, everyone would probably have happily carried on in this fashion. Wasteful. Unproductive. But times are tough. Downsizing is on the agenda. And then things get really nasty as some show their true colours. This novel is a shrewd, funny and clever observation of office behaviour. It will have resonance with some of us: those who hate their job, those who glory in being a jumped-up boss, those who would rather be doing something else, those who sit and count down the hours ... This is an enjoyable book.

If this book appeals then you might like to try [[Personal Days by Ed Park]].

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