The Fear Index by Robert Harris
I'll start by saying I loved many of Robert Harris's previous books--Pompeii, Fatherland, Enigma. So I had high hopes for The Fear Index. But alas, I was disappointed.
The Fear Index tells the story of a genius named Alex Hoffman who creates a system of artificial intelligence and uses it to run a fabulously successful hedge fund based in Switzerland. Then things start going awry. Someone breaks into his security-laden home. People keeps telling him he has sent them emails with instructions that he doesn't remember giving.And his company's actions are wreaking havoc with the world's financial markets. Is Alex going mad or is someone intentionally toying with his life--and if so, why?
The premise was interesting, though I'll be the first to admit I didn't understand most of the hedge fund background. But it was hard to root for any of the main characters because they were so unappealing. Even before he is overrun by paranoia, Alex seems to be living in his own little world. His wife, Gabrielle, doesn't seem to know Alex very well at all. And his second in command at work, Quarry, is motivated totally by greed.
If you're going to read Robert Harris--and you should--read one of his earlier works.
He's a good writer and a good storyteller who seems to have gotten a little off track with this book.
The Fear Index tells the story of a genius named Alex Hoffman who creates a system of artificial intelligence and uses it to run a fabulously successful hedge fund based in Switzerland. Then things start going awry. Someone breaks into his security-laden home. People keeps telling him he has sent them emails with instructions that he doesn't remember giving.And his company's actions are wreaking havoc with the world's financial markets. Is Alex going mad or is someone intentionally toying with his life--and if so, why?
The premise was interesting, though I'll be the first to admit I didn't understand most of the hedge fund background. But it was hard to root for any of the main characters because they were so unappealing. Even before he is overrun by paranoia, Alex seems to be living in his own little world. His wife, Gabrielle, doesn't seem to know Alex very well at all. And his second in command at work, Quarry, is motivated totally by greed.
If you're going to read Robert Harris--and you should--read one of his earlier works.
He's a good writer and a good storyteller who seems to have gotten a little off track with this book.
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