William Gaddis's JR: A Financial Empire Built by an 11-Year-Old
William Gaddis's novel JR is set in the cacophony of Wall Street, tracing the improbable financial rise of an 11-year-old boy who steals stocks bought by his classmates. Told almost entirely through dialogue, the book weaves together the voices of some fifty characters who shape JR's fate. Following the example of adults who bend the law at every opportunity, the child gradually builds a web of control over entire forests, mines, and mineral deposits, creating a vast financial empire.
Key facts
- William Gaddis published the novel JR.
- The novel's heart is set in the cacophony of Wall Street.
- The protagonist is an 11-year-old boy who steals stocks from classmates.
- The story is told almost exclusively through dialogue.
- Around fifty characters participate in JR's destiny.
- JR follows adults who circumvent the law at the first opportunity.
- JR seizes entire forests, mines, and deposits.
- JR creates a financial empire.
Entities
Artists
- William Gaddis
Locations
- Wall Street
Sources
- artpress —