Originally penned in 1998, Shriver’s ‘new’ novel tells of Edgar Kellogg, corporate lawyer turned would-be journalist.
Facing his own financial crisis, Edgar has little choice but to accept retainer-only status with a Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper. He is sent to Barba to cover the SOB, a terrorist organisation intent on freeing the country of its colonial ties to Portugal. Once there, Edgar is drawn to a small clique of journalists eagerly waiting further SOB outrages, the sublimely beautiful but married Nicola, and the mysterious disappearance of legendary hack, Barrington Saddler. Deliberately leaning on recognisable stereotypes, The New Republic relies on Shriver’s clever manipulation of characters and narrative to overcome what should be an overused, tired plot but instead is an enjoyable, highly recommended read.
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