The Success Machine   By: Henry Slesar (1927-2002)

The Success Machine by Henry Slesar is an intriguing and thought-provoking novel that leaves readers questioning the boundaries of ambition and the sacrifices one is willing to make to achieve success. Blending elements of science fiction and suspense, Slesar crafts a captivating narrative that explores the dark side of striving for excellence in a cutthroat corporate world.

The story revolves around Jack Coglin, a young and ambitious executive who stumbles upon a mysterious device known as the "Success Machine." This machine, created by a brilliant inventor named Max Thorndike, promises to alter the very fabric of reality, granting its owner unparalleled success in every aspect of life. Jack, initially skeptical but driven by his insatiable hunger for achievement, becomes obsessed with the machine and its potential to elevate his career to unimaginable heights.

As the narrative progresses, Slesar skillfully reveals the moral dilemmas that arise from Jack's relentless pursuit of success. With each use of the machine, Jack finds himself ascending the corporate ladder rapidly, but at a heavy cost. Relationships strain, ethical boundaries blur, and Jack's once-promising future becomes overshadowed by the corrosive influence of his ambition.

Slesar's writing is engaging and immersive, effortlessly drawing readers into the high-pressure world of corporate America. The author expertly captures the cutthroat nature of the business environment, highlighting the insidious practices and rivalries that exist beneath the surface of success. Through vivid descriptions and meticulously crafted dialogues, Slesar effectively portrays the stress and internal conflicts faced by his characters.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its exploration of the fine line between ambition and obsession. As Jack becomes increasingly dependent on the Success Machine, readers are challenged to reflect on their own desires for success and the potential consequences of unchecked ambition. Slesar deftly raises profound questions about the nature of success and the price one is willing to pay for it.

However, the novel does have its minor flaws. The pacing occasionally falters, with certain sections feeling slightly repetitive or prolonged. Additionally, some secondary characters could have been further developed to deepen the overall story. Nonetheless, these shortcomings do not significantly detract from the overall enjoyment and impact of the narrative.

In conclusion, The Success Machine by Henry Slesar is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complex themes of ambition, morality, and the cost of success. Slesar's masterful storytelling and in-depth exploration of human nature make this book a captivating read for fans of both science fiction and psychological suspense. The Success Machine is a cautionary tale that reminds readers that true success is more than just career advancement, but also lies in finding balance and maintaining one's integrity in the pursuit of one's dreams.

First Page:

Something's wrong , he thought. Something is terribly wrong. Twenty four pink cards in the last month. Twenty four out of forty. That's a batting average of He tried to figure it out with a pencil, but gave it up as a bad job. Maybe I'll run it through the Averagovac , he thought... Continue reading book >>