Powerballs by Jimmy Clifton
What's It About?
“Being a billionaire ain’t for the faint of heart.”Perhaps, as one of the characters in Jimmy Clifton’s Powerballs suggests. Although, I know a lot of people who would like to give it a try.
Becoming a billionaire. It’s the defining event in this well-written, tightly scripted, fun-drenched and suspenseful novel. Henry and Rose Ball have drifted apart in their marriage. Henry wants to kill his boss and Rose wants an affair with hers. They are both unhappy, have both resigned themselves to a breakup, they are financially and emotionally challenged, and then, something incredible happens — Henry purchases a winning Powerball lottery ticket.
MORE MONEY, MORE STUFF, SAME LIFE (MOSTLY)
Can money buy happiness? Ha, don’t fall for that cliché! Is a billion dollars enough to mask their difficulties? It doesn’t hurt, at least not at first. Cliffside mansions, outrageously priced toys and entertainment, shopping sprees beyond belief. They still keep their own space. After a while, boredom sets in. Although, I know a lot of people who would like to be so bored.
“The transformation, the expansion of his life that Henry had expected had not yet occurred. His life hadn’t really changed; he’d only added things to it, and he found the initial rush of the new-found wealth to be transitory. He was still Henry Ball.”
As they decide to stay apart, they embark on their own adventures far away from American soil and their big-city Midwestern roots — Henry sets sail with a Russian oligarch and his crew, where luxury knows no bounds and safety comes at a premium. Meanwhile, Rose takes off with a professional polo-playing hunk with ties to the mob.
INTRICATE PLOTS AND TOP-NOTCH PERSONALITIES
What happens from there — to our leading couple and their money (a well-crafted storyline onto itself) — is simply treacherous, full of twists and trickery, and great reading. The author has created a host of top-notch supporting characters with massive range and personality, and some intricate plotting in which every scene and circumstance is grabbing: a slimy investment banker, the privileged and connected at Palm Beach, the head of a deadly women’s prison camp in the jungle, to name a few.
Speaking of the author, it’s listed as Jimmy Clifton, whose story is explained in the book’s Prologue, written by the boat captain of the Miss Rosie Mae. Apparently, Clifton, whom the captain refers to as the clumsiest and most careless crew member you’ll ever meet, was lost at sea when he “went over the side in heavy weather.” The manuscript for Powerballs was found among his belongings, and the crew couldn’t put it down. You can learn more at www.jimmyclifton.com.
As for the book, is there a message in Powerballs? Something to be learned? Is it a cautionary tale about being careful about what you wish for? How money is the root of all evil? I think not. It is too much fun, too well constructed and too enjoyable a read. For my money, that’s all you need.
Great review of Jimmy Clifton’s new novel Powerballs, Jim. Sounds intriguing! Thanks for your thoughtful analysis.