|
J Street, by Dorothy Martin is a political thriller built around a premise that there is a secret room built beneath the White House that contains a hitherto unknown constitutional amendment drafted by Lincoln, passed by Congress in the 1860s and ratified by the states. The amendment would create a new governing body more responsible to the people than our present congress. The premise proves to be the basis for interesting plot gyrations, surprises and character growth. The President is an Independent politician working to herd a fractious congress in a direction beneficial to the country, but special interests have sent spending out of control and created gridlock. His discovery of the "Lincoln Amendment" beneath the White House triggers a conflict with the special interests and the powers that be as he attempts to implement its provisions.
The action begins slow and picks up pace as powerful congressmen find their power challenged. The new governing body, prescribed by Lincoln and made up of average people selected at random, gets some heavy-handed lessons in the game of politics. It seems Congress, the Media and the Lobbyists are all out to destroy the new body and the Independent President.
Interesting passages show Ms. Martin's insight into power and government as when the President is talking about the Oval Office: "President Green walked over to the desk and leaned against it, facing Young. "do you remember, Scott, when you were a boy? Your mother would make you sit in a corner?" Scott Smiled and nodded to Greene. The President continued, "At times, this room makes you feel like you can do no wrong. No corners to sit in."
This is a thriller that takes its time to build suspense. Characters are sharply drawn and they act logically within the confines of the plot line. An interesting premise and an interesting book, suitable for reading on a weekend near the fire or sprawled out on a sandy beach (in summer).
|
