Review of The Bezzle (Martin Hench, #2) by Cory Doctorow
I didn’t think I’d find myself diving deep into the dark corners of the American justice system when I picked up The Bezzle, but Cory Doctorow’s incredible ability to spin a satirical tale around real-world injustices had me hooked from the start. As someone who often wrestles with the ethical implications of capitalism, I found myself nodding along to many of Marty Hench’s discoveries throughout this riveting sequel.
At its core, The Bezzle explores the predatory nature of the private prison industry, unraveling a narrative that exposes how the financial exploitation of the disadvantaged has spiraled out of control. Marty Hench, a forensic accountant, makes his living uncovering corporate malfeasance alongside his friend Scott, a Silicon Valley millionaire. As they get embroiled in a nefarious pyramid scheme on Catalina Island, the stakes rise, revealing the interconnected layers of corruption within the prison system. Doctorow’s commentary here is a raw and urgent reminder of how systems designed to promote rehabilitation have turned into money-making machines prioritizing profits over people.
Marty’s character felt like a lens through which readers explore this complex world. However, I couldn’t help but find him—and Scott—somewhat lacking in depth, which disappointed me. They serve more as archetypes than fully realized characters, embodying typical Silicon Valley and finance personas. This could be seen as an intentional satirical choice by Doctorow, but I found myself craving a more personal connection to them. Ultimately, I enjoyed Marty’s analytical perspective, yet the characters felt more like vessels for Doctorow’s message.
The first third of the book moves slowly as it establishes the surroundings and character dynamics, but once the inciting incident kicks in, it propels forward with a series of engaging vignettes. Doctorow’s penchant for infodumps makes for enthralling yet informative reading. I learned a great deal about the private prison system, surprisingly through a well-crafted narrative rather than a dry textbook. It left me astonished: are we really allowing this to persist in modern society? Though I am Canadian and aware of our own systemic issues, the picture painted in The Bezzle forces a confrontation with uncomfortable truths about justice and power.
In terms of writing style, Doctorow remains engaging, weaving complex socio-political themes into a plot that evokes both frustration and understanding. The pacing fluctuates—mellow at times, allowing for detailed examinations of systemic issues; tense and urgent at others. I particularly appreciated a few well-placed moments of levity that broke the dense atmosphere—a reminder to readers that there is still room for humor amidst darkness.
The Bezzle is undoubtedly a mixed bag, straddling the line of entertainment while delivering a powerful critique of the prison-industrial complex. I believe it will appeal to readers who appreciate fiction infused with polemical commentary, especially if they are already aware of the horrific realities of the private prison system. For those looking to angry-read about societal inequities without diving into nonfiction, this book offers an accessible blend of narrative and information.
In conclusion, while I found the character development to be somewhat lacking, the sheer weight of the thematic exploration kept me engaged. The Bezzle solidified my admiration for Doctorow’s relentless off-the-wall imagination fused with a stark glance at reality. I walked away from the experience feeling enlightened, and oddly compelled to dig deeper into his earlier works. If you’re curious about the dark underbelly of the American judicial system while enjoying a thought-provoking narrative, The Bezzle may just be the book for you.
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