Product Description

A novel in stories from literary author Ronald Alexander. Set in the business world, these story recount the double-life of Dexter Giles who must balance a straight-jacketed career in the homophobic towers of corporate culture with his secret life as a gay man.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2420000 in Books
• Published on: 2000-06-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 200 pages

Review
"A stark and uninhibited account gives the narrative an immensely readable quality." -- Uneza Akhtar, DAWN, January 9, 2001.

"Alexander is an accomplished writer with a deft hand for characterization, and his work is a joy to read." -- Hillary Johnson, LA Weekly, November 17-23, 2000

"Dexter Giles emerges as one of the most compelling and complex characters to be found in contemporary American fiction today." -- La Voz Newspaper, June 15, 2000

"Dexter Giles is drawn sensitively, with impeccable and often subtle detail." -- Alice McCracken, California Seniors, October 2000

"His writing is liquid and attractive." -- Balford Henry, The Sunday Gleaner, September 24, 2000

From the Publisher
Ronald Alexander is a retired corporate executive intimately familiar with the milieu about which he writes. He has published in many prestigious publications. Novelist Reginald Gibbons writes that Alexander's book "combines vivid knowledge of far-flung locales, and keen observation of the infighting of office life. The characters are convincingly and memorably portrayed." It's the intensity of the writing and the revelation of character that drew us to publish the book.

From the Author
During the ten years it took to write and publish the stories that make up this novel, I learned a great deal about criticism. "Reader Response Critical Theory" offers that there is never one manuscript, but as many manuscripts as there are people who read it. In other words, each person reads a different book. Indeed, the friends, writers, and editors who commented on my book had a wide range of reactions to the main character, Dexter Giles. Some described him as humorous -- and yet sad. Others said, "He's not very likeable," then went on to say, "but he's interesting," As each story was individually submitted for publication consideration at various literary magazines I got the impression that editorial boards were often passionately and deeply divided as to whether or not to publish the story. One editor asked me, "Why does Dexter allow himself to be treated the way he does?" Well, the answer is that I don't know why Dexter allows himself to be treated the way he does. I don't know why Jake drinks so much in The Sun Also Rises either. I just know that he does, and for me trying to figure out why is what makes him interesting.

As for the prose, one reader compared my writing to that of Somerset Maughm, another to Joseph Conrad, and yet another to William Burroughs. And while I'm grateful no one compared the writing to Judith Krantz or Danielle Steels, when a reader said the they enjoyed the "beautiful and lyrical writing" I tried to let it go, because to accept that assessment would mean that I would also have the accept the opinion of the editor who found the writing "full of cliches" and the outcome of a particular story "predictable."

So, while it was never my intent to portray a person who was always likeable, I did want to create a character who was human and I wanted to write about his experiences in a fresh, poetic, and original way. I started each story with a blank canvas and just tried to let go of control. I never knew what Dexter was going to say or do next, but it ultimately he does interest reader, it's probably because he interested me as he struggled to make sense of his life and the hand that he had been dealt. I am proud of these stories, of this novel.

Customer Reviews

The Final Audit
This book provides an intimate view into the frightening world of international business. It also provides excellent political undertones to the arguably unfair connections necessary to succeed in the modern business environment. There is also a wonderful portrayal of how Giles has learned to cope with the difficulties and mask his true self to even close associates. A must read.

James Branda

Excellent in every way
The story, the characters! This book is sensational, probably the best I have read in years. Do not miss this. Mr. Alexander is solid.