Narratives of Economic Distress: Neoliberalism in the Novel

In her new novel Help Wanted, Adelle Waldman brings her unparalleled wit and astute social observation to the world of modern, low-wage work. A humane and darkly comic workplace caper that shines a light on the odds low-wage workers are up against in today’s economy, Help Wanted astutely observes a region in economic decline. A Guardian review notes, "the most impressive thing about Help Wanted is that Waldman manages, in telling her small story, to describe not just the American economic prison but the global one." In this conversation, Waldman will discuss her research process, the multidimensional nature of economic distress in the U.S., and telling stories about neoliberalism, inequality, and the failures of elite governance. 

One of Barack Obama’s recommended books for Summer 2024 • A New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice • An Economist, VOGUE and Vulture Best Book of the Year So Far • People’s Book of the Week • One of New York Magazine’s “23 Books We Can’t Wait to Read in 2024.” • One of ELLE’s Best (and Most Anticipated) Fiction Books of 2024