Joshua Ferris, Then We Came to the End

Then We Came to the End

Joshua Ferris

Little, Brown, Feb 2007, $23.95

ISBN: 0316016381

In a Chicago ad agency, the era of good feeling that marked most of the second Clinton term seems over. Empty cubicle syndrome frightens much of the staff as employees will be fired. Competition is fierce as symbolism like spots, chairs, and email bites represents who will survive the ordeal. Friendships are over as real survivor is being played. There are numerous stories in this agency; here are three that cross the culture.

Word in the office "plaza," coffee pot, and bathrooms is that partner Lynn Mason has breast cancer and is dying; this elates those who work for her who pray the rumor proves true because if she dies or becomes incapacitated a promotion opens up that every employee believes they earned as he or she knows they do all the work while she makes the money and receives the accolades.

In the eye of the cutting storm, recently divorced Tom Mota, wearing the same NASCAR polo shirt everyday, cites nineteenth century poetry while having temper tantrums that he hopes frightens management into keeping him employed.

Everyone below middle manager Joe Pope blames him for the downsizing; while everyone above him blames him too for not rightsizing. However, he knows his job is secure because someone needs to take the blame.

This is a terrific, character-driven look at the office during a period of uncertainty except for pink slips. The ensemble cast is fabulous as the audience looks deep into the varying reactions of people to the expected reductions (a euphemism for firing) as each wonders what to wear when seen on the unemployment lines. Similar in its cutting edge to Office Space but with a wider scope, fans will appreciate the aptly titled THEN WE CAME TO THE END of Joshua Ferris' wheel.

Harriet Klausner