Carpenter's Gothic

In William Gaddis's razor-sharp "Carpenter's Gothic," a maelstrom of dark comedy and profound despair swirls around the volatile marriage of Elizabeth, a fragile heiress, and Paul, a manipulative Vietnam veteran. Living in a dilapidated 'carpenter gothic' house, Paul navigates a labyrinth of corporate and religious opportunism, serving as a media consultant for Reverend Ude, an evangelist whose grand crusade conveniently aligns with a ruthless mining conglomerate's bid to acquire land under his African mission. As Paul's schemes unravel, marked by his characteristic ineptitude and aggression, his wife Liz finds solace and complexity in the arms of McCandless, their enigmatic landlord and a geologist. Amidst this domestic and geopolitical chaos, events escalate into a surreal landscape of arson, attempted murder, and apocalyptic pronouncements, all rendered through Gaddis's inimitable, demanding dialogue. The novel masterfully dissects themes of American capitalism, religious fundamentalism, and the decay of human relationships, culminating in a darkly satirical vision of modern Armageddon.