Tarloff, Erik. Face Time: A Novel.
This is the latest in presidential scandal novels; although it is about a scandal that only threatens to occur. Told in a droll first person voice, this story is from the perspective of the boyfriend of the president's latest sexual escapade. Both Ben and Gretchen work, in different capacities, for the administration in the White House and both are affected by the power and charisma emanating from the Oval Office. Face Time is all about how much one-on-one time a person has with the person in power.
The book is entertaining and intriguing, bringing up all the relevant issues including moral and ethical considerations. I had great sympathy for Ben, while at the same time feeling amazed by the depth of doo-doo that he allowed himself to step in. He explains his reactions (and Gretchen's) logically and while I asked myself the usual (Would I have done...?), I granted him the benefit of the doubt during this lively tale of human foibles and emotions.
It is worth a gander, very funny, and has a fresh perspective from the point-of-view of the insider still looking even closer at the grandeur of power.
Leane M. Ellis, February 16, 1999.
Lucius Beebe Memorial Library - This page last updated 2/16/99 - lme.