Rating: 
Summary: It has all the twists in its plot that just wont quit
Review: "... life is HERE. And if you keep hating where you are, you're going to wind up losing it all. And believe me, once you lose it you'll desperately want it all back again. It's how it works."
(pg's. 121-122)
"Loss makes you regard life as tenuous, fragile... And you begin to distrust the notion of happiness. If a good thing comes into your life, you know it's only a matter of time before it will be taken away from you." (pg. 402)What if you found that your life is caught in the middle of indecision and in the muddle of immediate compromise that would inevitably make a big change in your life in such very big major proportion?
That is the matter depicted in the beginning of this great novel from its writer Douglas Kennedy, which could've done a whole lot better for the author if he had let this one come out as his second novel instead than his follow-up to this debut of his called The Job.
Written in the fashion as an account by its lead charachter Ben Bradford who found himself hanging in the balance, when he accidentally killed the philandering accomplice of his wife during one brief heated argument with the said photographer, that the lead charachter found himself an option to escape it all by using his knowledge as a lawyer in taking the position of his wife's boyfriend's identity over his.
It would be good to speak little about the plot of this novel for its readers so's not to spoil the fun of the twist elements in its plot... and although spilling about the murder in the first part of this book might seem to have already given away a lot about its storyline - still however - they only begin to build up from there. I never knew that the book have been "over-hyped" as according to its critics until I've read some reviews about, when come to think of it - the novel did deserve all of the hype aftr all. The book first came out during in the time after when the world trade center recieved its first terrorist attack (believe me it had a bit of major themartical sort of faint connection to its plot later on), it depicts the consumeristic attitudes and lifestyle of upper class young couples, and have well held an account of levelling with trademark products (so much similar with what Stephen King had on his final Castle Rock novel NEEDFUL THINGS); and the struggles in the corporate world's systems of competition and its own politics, given with social commentaries for good measure. The story although some say may have come to the point of being totally too unbelievable to happen in real life, it had its certain sense of simple realistic realism within its ongoing narrative; and in that sense, Douglas Kennedy had that skill in his writing of never boring the reader, but have a certain panache for giving it a certain feel of fluidity in its continuity - that its even amazing you're quite being wary along the way feeling that some certain surprising twist might come along. And certainly, it did delivered some on the trail of its storyline.
The book however in its own way sort of have reminded me of the verses in the Bible found in 1 Timothy 6:6,9-10/Prov. 6:34. The novel would really make a good movie. Its film rights are now in possesion of Fox2000. Can't wait to see it filmed.
NOTE: The first Intrnational paperback edition includes the first chapter of THE JOB for as a sneak preview. i personally see it in the average of = 4 1/2 out of 5 stars "-- once you are percieved to be hot, everyone wants you. The struggling guy is always percieved to be as a struggling figure in our culture. Because he's viewed as a nobody, a loser who's desperately trying to convince a publisher, a magazine editor, a producer, a gallery owner, an agent, that he could be a player, if only the right break came his way. But, of course, no one wants to give him that break --- because why would they help a schmuck out of nowhere? And even if they think that he may have some talent, they're usually terrified of trusting their own judgment and backing an unknown quantity." (from pages 388-389)
Rating: 
Summary: A good read but,
Review: A good read but wants desperately to be the definitive novel of the 1990's; having to give up what you want to do for the good of family and others. Also the novel is very predictable (especially the events in Montana) and some of the characters are very stereotypical (Rudy Warren, I hated the way he was written). Still I would recommend it based on the fact that many of us wish our lives could be changed and this book makes for a fast and enjoyable read.
Rating: 
Summary: Fun book to read
Review: Ben Bradford is one unhappy Manhattan lawyer. His half million-dollar house and 300K salary are not enough to keep his wife satisfied and their once happy marriage is heading downhill fast. When Ben discovers his wife is having an affair with a neighborhood looser, a confrontation occurs that changes Ben's life forever. Have you ever dreamed of leaving it all behind, turning your back on a career you hate, a sour marriage and starting entirely over? How about faking your own death, changing your name, and moving to a small city in the middle of no where? If you've ever considered it, then this book is for you. Douglas Kennedy has written a compelling, easy to read novel, with superb diction. The author masterfully added suspense where I least expected it, and left me hanging at the end of several chapters. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and would recommend it highly. For me, there were a couple of minor flaws, specifically some inconsistencies with Rudy Warren's character, which prevented me from giving a 5 star rating. However, this was a great read and I would certainly read more of Kennedy's work.
Rating:
Summary: One life, three identities.
Review: Ben Bradford was living a perfect life, a successful Wall Street lawyer, has two healthy kids,a beautiful wife and a wonderful suburban home in a middle high class Connecticut town till a day he found out that his wife was going to divorce him because she was having an affair with his neighbor, a mediocre photographer named Gary Summers. In a rage attach, Ben killed Gary, dissapear from town, assumed his identity and moved to Montana where by accident became a famous photographer with terrible consequences for him and his new lover.
A very well written story which goes deep into the personage's identity, dream, frustration, feeling and desires, a novel full of irony, tension and hope.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting book and a good read
Review: Douglas Kennedy has written a well paced book which grabs your attention and manages to keep it till the end. The back of the cover first caught me with the sysnopsis of how Ben had everything a successfull man could aim for but didnt have happiness.
Once you start reading Douglas builds up the pace slowly and leads us through Ben's failed marraige and his love for photography. Once Ben come to know about his wife's infidelity and what happens next makes for very good reading. Though his stay in Montanna does sound like fairy tale bit. Which is the reason I havent given a 5 star to this.
I did find the story so interesting that I narrated the whole story to my wife after reading the book. Looking forward to read the more of Douglas Kennedy
Rating:
Summary: Carefully drawn characters, good plot twists, fun to read
Review: Douglas Kennedy has written a well-crafted novel for yuppies burdened by mid-life crises and itching to be free. At its heart, it is as much a novel of ideas about identity, the burdens of obligations and honesty to one's self as a traditional narrative. But what makes it fun and interesting is that the story works just fine as a cliff-hanger(almost to the very end).The launching pad for Kennedy's meditation is the story of a miserable no-longer-young lawyer at a big New York City law firm who lives in the elite suburbs of Connecticut and whose marriage has been slowly disintegrating. When our hero discovers his wife is having an affair, a confrontation with her lover unexpectedly escalates into murder. Rather than throw himself on the mercy of the justice system, the lawyer determines to escape, which means, he quickly concludes, that he must disappear. From this premise, reader is invited to ponder perhaps the ultimate "what-if" question: How would my life change if I had to walk away -- irr
Rating:
Summary: Yea Right
Review: I liked the idea at first, then I got into the story and I am wondering - wait a minute, has this ever worked? And why am I cheering for this guy? I got to wondering how could Mr. do right turn into Ted Bundy overnight? The book is well written and I liked the main character, but I just had a hard time believing the story and that was before the end. I may be a little hard on the author, again the book was interesting - I finished it, the characters were good and the first part moved along well. I just did not believe the story line and that left me second guessing everything from them on. And why Montana, go to LA - it would have been more fun.
Rating:
Summary: A class act page-turner
Review: It doesn't take much to turn one's life from an idyllic existence to a nightmare. One wrong decision, a stupid action, something spoken out loud on impulse, can bring the wrath of fate tumbling upon you. But the question must be asked, when fate decides to throw a curve ball in your direction, do you face and suffer the consequences, or run and hide, begin a new life and hope against hope that you'll not be found out? This is the basic theme in Kennedy's renowned novel, The Big Picture.
Ben Bradford apparently has it all - a partnership in a distinguished Manhattan law firm, a beautiful house in Connecticut, a pretty wife and two small children. He has enough money to spend without any thought about budgeting. As a wannabe photographer, he has a state of the art dark room in his house, over forty thousand dollars worth of camera equipment and the time to pursue this hobby. Despite seemingly having it all, Mr. Bradford is dreadfully unhappy. The relationship with his beautiful wife is on tenterhooks at best, as they haven't slept together for over a year. He suspects she is having an affair, and his suspicions turn out to be true. The actions he takes in response to this infidelity have dire consequences. Ben's life changes forever, but where does it lead, and can he live with himself and achieve some modicum of happiness?
The Bid Picture is one of the most original thrillers to come out in years. The reading experience will have your palms in a sweat and your heart racing from the beginning. In spite of the protagonist's actions, Kennedy ensures we have great empathy for the character. We want him to get away with it, but will he get away with it and for what price?
For me this book was a pleasurable surprise, as I would have never picked it up unless it was recommended to me. If you want a completely enthralling read that is guaranteed to keep you reading into the dead of night, read The Big Picture - a class act in every way.
Rating:
Summary: Still thinking about it...
Review: Perhaps it isn't a definitive novel, but it realy makes you think. I was talking about it for days. I appreciated the insight to the male's psyche, and I loved the ending- completely appropriate for this felon you can't help but root for.
I think it would make a fabulous movie...... tons of suspense.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent start, but falls apart towards the end.
Review: So much of this novel is excellent, in particular the description of a successful lawyer trapped in a boring job and life but unable to escape due to school fees, medical fees, expensive lifestyle, mortgage etc - a classic upper middle-class conundrum. Very well described.
*Spoiler*
One major flaw with the murder and body disposal though - would you really allow the boat to wander without knowing if it will explode? Would you really risk it being stopped before the bomb went off? What if it didn't go off? All far too risky IMHO.
But that is forgiveable. What is not is the ending. The last few pages are rushed and totally inconsistent. The very last event (driving to Las Vegas) also serves no purpose other than to annoy.
A far better ending was possible: with Ben Bradford seemingly dead but his body never recovered, he could have come back to life, so to speak, with an excuse about hiding out, and go back to see his kids. The ending with him in some suburban LA hell is just stupid and annoying. What is that all about? No, it would have been much better for him to come back as Ben, get the kids and the girl.
A good read, but undone by a lousy ending.
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