A HOLOGRAM FOR THE KING

Sad-sack Alan Clay is the engaging protagonist of Eggers’s novel, which comes to life with the elegant performance of Dion Graham. The story focuses on a down-on-his-luck businessman and his goal of selling holographic computer services to King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia so that he can pay his daughter’s college tuition and extricate himself from a financial hole. Eggers also includes almost subliminal messages about global finance and international politics. Although a bit uneven, the book contains memorable moments of hilarity and insight. Listeners also benefit greatly from Graham’s measured delivery, which eases the tedious moments, highlights the charming dialogue, and brings alive the book’s most compelling scenes. D.J.S. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2012]