Book Review | A Hologram for the King : a novel by Dave Eggers

Recently, when searching for films by director Tom Tykwer, I found out that the book A Hologram for the King by Dave Eggers is being turned into a film staring Tom Hanks, with a release scheduled for late 2015. Since I enjoyed Eggers’ book The Circle so much, I figured it was a good time to try another.

Middle-aged, divorced and broke, Alan has been sent to Saudi Arabia to broker a deal with King Abdullah for his IT firm. Details Alan receives as he and his team prepare for the royal meeting are fuzzy and it’s a mystery if or when the King may actually arrive. The story focuses on Alan’s relationships with his driver, his doctor, his daughter, a diplomat and the unexpected adventures that ensue with each of them.

The book is entertaining from the beginning and easy to read and follow. The story is mostly told chronologically with connections made along the way. Though Alan himself is not a very interesting character, the people he becomes involved with allow him to experience events beyond the daily scope of average. For a quick trip to Saudi Arabia, check it out at a library near you.