Review The mark and the void – Paul Murray

In his book ‘The mark and the void’ Paul Murray describes the exciting work in the financial district of Dublin, Ireland. Claude grew up in France, but decides to try his luck in Dublin at an investment bank. He works long hours, sitting at his desk and talking to clients. It seems like a rather dull story but nothing is further from the truth.

Claude

Claude has one goal in mind: To make money. The void that comes with it doesn’t seem to bother him much. He’s on his office, doing what he does best. He is well liked by his co-workers and his employer. Swiftly going to the top and beyond he doesn’t think about happiness. Then one day everything is about to change.

Author

Claude is approached by the out of luck author Paul. Paul sees a story in the life of Paul. He wants to write a novel about a ‘regular working guy’ and finds in Claude exactly the man to fill that role. Claude isn’t impressed and refuses to let Paul in. However, he keeps thinking about the offer and eventually he gives in.

Difference

Paul couldn’t be more different than Claude. Where Claude lets his mind dictate his life, Paul is impulsive and lets life take over from common sense. He is the perfect candidate to advise Claude about his love life, being married himself to a beautiful trophy wife. The problem is that Claude doesn’t have time for love. Unless, that pretty waitress in the restaurant he goes to after work fancies him. Or does he finally realize that his coworker Is has had a crush on him for a long time now?

Humor

The story is full of wit and humor. Surprising twists and laugh out loud dialogues make this book a fast read. Even when the bank finds itself in a financial crisis, it’s not as bad as it looks. Maybe Claude will finally realize that all his money can make him a pretty wonderful life without having to work for 18 hour days anymore.

Paul Murray

Paul Murray was born in Dublin, Ireland. His father was professor, his mother a teacher. In university Paul studied English literature and creative writing. After a job in Barcelona as an English teacher, something he didn’t enjoy at all, he decided to write. Since then all his books received high praise and many awards.