Being There by Jerzy Kosiński

The story of Chauncey Gardiner - Chance - an enigmatic but distinguished man who emerges from nowhere to become heir to the throne of a Wall Street tycoon, a presidential policy adviser, and a media icon. Truly "a man without qualities," Chance's straightforward responses to popular concerns are heralded as visionary. But though everyone is quoting him, no is sure what he's really saying. And filling in the blanks in his background proves impossible.

Being There is a brilliantly satiric look at the unreality of American media culture that is, if anything, more trenchant now than ever.

I read this one because I saw the movie, which has this great Shirley MacLaine self-diddling scene!

I must admit that I was somewhat hesitant to read this novel. I had read Kosinski's other novel, The Painted Bird and hated it. I felt that it was just trying to shock the reader with depictions of extreme violence, and other graphic content. So when I had to read this novel for school, I was prepared to experience all that over again. I am relieved to report that this novel is not like that. It is fairly tame, at least in comparison, and it manages to be an effective satire on the way we view not only TV but also politics and gardening. Their tends to be an image (dare I say a stereotype?) that those people who garden or work with their hands are those who are wiser and have little to worry about in terms of their security. While this, in reality, could be nothing further from the truth, Kosinski uses that belief to satire the way we view new political ideas and new people in important circles. It is an interesting take on the subject.

So why did I give it two stars? Well, while this novel may be good satire, it doesn't make for a memorable story. I'll probably forget about it after this semester, and never peruse it again if I do remember it. I give it a two out of five.