Executive Suite may make you cheer to see how we have progressed in so many ways. At the same time, though, it may make you wistful for the sense of pride and service we seem to have left behind.
High Point: The corporate politics and infighting are delicious to watch unfold.
Low Point: The dated references and roles can be off-putting.
Author: Cameron Hawley
Publication Date: 1952
Genre: Fiction
Project Gutenberg: Not available
LibriVox: Not available
Movie/TV Adaptation: Executive Suite (1958)
“’What’s she like, Don?’
‘Like? Clever woman—damned clever—mind like a man’s.’”
This cringeworthy quote from Cameron Hawley’s Executive Suite is one of many examples illustrating the contrast of American business culture in the 1950s with that of the 21st century.
Despite these occasional awkward comments, Executive Suite is an entertaining account about the sudden death of a corporate president and the scramble of his subordinates to succeed him.
Hawley’s style is easy. He gracefully intertwines the various threads of the plot in a way the reader can easily follow. And then he peppers the narrative with little subplots that have no substantial impact on the overall story. Surprisingly, they are not distracting, but instead, serve to lighten and relieve the more intense and darker elements of the story.
After reading Executive Suite, take a look at the 2011 movie, Margin Call. Towards the end of each story, characters have soliloquies explaining their approaches to business. The differences are staggering as are the reactions of their listeners. Despite both being fictional, they seem to accurately reflect their respective eras.
Executive Suite—though seriously dated—is a fun read. And it may cheer you to see we have progressed in so many ways. At the same time, though, it may make you wistful for the sense of pride and service we seem to have left behind.
