Greed

"Reviewers Note: An intense, thought-provoking literary tale that explores the intricacies of human nature and the pursuit of meaning….This is more than a novel; it’s a critique of modern society’s obsession with wealth and status. Linde challenges readers to reconsider what success truly means, making this book not just an exhilarating journey but a profound reflection on the human condition.

Synopsis: Linde’s ninth Waldwick novel is a gripping tale of ambition gone awry, exposing how the pursuit of wealth can fracture family relationships. A dedicated family man and founder of the Derrick Williams Foundation, George’s life spirals into chaos when his son Derrick makes reckless decisions in pursuit of wealth. As Derrick’s ambition leads to dangerous consequences, including selling sensitive data to foreign entities, George and his wife, Amy, find themselves entangled in a government investigation that threatens their family legacy.

The novel takes a bold approach by examining the American dream in reverse. George, once a symbol of success and affluence, finds himself stripped of his riches and reduced to a state of insignificance. This dramatic shift forces him to confront the harsh realities of life without the safety net of wealth. Linde’s writing is sharp and evocative, pulling readers into his characters’ inner turmoil while prompting introspection about their own values. His portrayal of George’s descent is both a psychological study and a critique of societal values. He deftly captures George’s turmoil—his feelings of betrayal by his family, the sting of societal rejection, and the relentless erosion of his self-worth.

As George fades into obscurity, the story examines how acclimation can make wealth mundane. George’s former pride turns into routine, revealing materialism’s emptiness. At his lowest, he recognizes the true value of love and relationships. His son Derrick’s pursuit of wealth isolates him, contrasting sharply with his father’s values and highlighting the emptiness of a status-driven life. Derrick's choices strain family bonds, particularly with his mother, Amy, who struggles to maintain harmony. George's daughter Melia’s grounded nature, son V’s innocence, and friend Rodney and Ann’s wisdom offer counterpoints to Derrick’s ambition. While friend Megan’s deep connection with George adds complexity, Linde explores the tension between loyalty and personal desire. 

The pacing is tight, balancing introspective moments with intense plot developments, ensuring that readers remain engaged. Themes of ambition and morality resonate throughout the narrative, encouraging readers to reflect on their own values and choices. The bittersweet ending provides closure while acknowledging the complexities of human nature."

–The Prairies Book Review, August 29, 2024

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• A digital download/PDF version of the book can be purchased on this site.

A few years ago, I was doing a book signing in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, when a middle-aged couple stopped by to chat. From their accent, I could tell they weren’t Americans and inquired as to their country of residence. They informed me they were from Romania and were spending six weeks touring America.

 

I queried what cities they’d visited and they mentioned New York, Orlando, Los Angeles, and finally Chicago. I asked them what they thought of our country and their response became the stimulus for Greed: “We had no idea that America is nothing more than a great big business where all that matters is what you have, measured against what you don’t have, and we wonder if Americans are ever happy with what they’ve got.”

 

The conversation was eye-opening and brought to my mind a conversation I once had long ago with a retired priest who’d lived through the Great Depression, World War II, Korea, and the Cold War. Father Ziggy as friends called him noted that he’d witnessed the threat of Socialism and Communism but neither were as insipient as the ideology he saw America threatened by—and that was Materialism. We buy and buy and buy, thinking it will make us happy until we have too much and too little at the same time, stored here, crammed there, silent reminders of how wants became needs until we are buried in things.

 

In writing Greed, I thought of the Romanian couple and Father Ziggy and then wondered what it would be like to “have it all” and then lose it. I wondered what it would be like to go from the top of the social mountain to the valley of despair and how it would affect a person emotionally, socially, and maritally, and at what point, instance, or event does one finally hit bottom?

 

Concurrent with that premise, I began reading about the fastest growing malady in America. Not cancer! Not heart disease! Not sepsis, which is now number three. In fact, the fastest growing malady in America today is social isolation, particularly among older adults, which has been linked to various health problems including increased risk of mortality.

 

Greed looks at the emotions around failure, the consequences of isolation, and the challenges of life when enough is not enough. It’s not depressing nor pontificating, simply a treatise with the underlying message that joy is only attained when one sincerely feels wanted, needed, and loved.