However, his schemes seem as egotistically driven as the financial leaders he scorns.

Crucially, the story also depicts an example of a man driven by communist ideas who earnestly endeavours to query the system and spread news of an alternative ideology. The way the story plays out makes us question the honesty behind the stated moral imperatives of moguls who claim to be acting in the best interest of the general population and their country while also increasing their own power and wealth. The novel interrogates a capitalist system which allows high proportions of a nation's wealth to be in the hands of relatively few people. In doing so, he shows how business isn't simply a matter of mathematical equations because there are real world implications and its motives are often based in human emotions. Moreover it's captivating how it lulls the reader into the magnetic glamour and power of these individuals who are at turns sympathetic and suspicious, seductive and repulsive, the saviours of America and the scourge of the nation.ĭiaz cleverly plays off from the double meaning of words such as “trust”, “bonds” and “futures” which refer to financial arrangements as well as human relationships. Far from being convoluted or repetitive, this gives a dynamic understanding of how narrative can be shaped to fit the ideologies and points of views possessed by different authors. Though the novel continuously reframes the same characters and events it shows them from radically different angles. Every section creates a persuasive picture of these figures and their role in financial affairs which led up to the Great Depression.

Diaz presents four different manuscripts about Wall Street tycoon Andrew Bevel and his brilliant wife Mildred in a way which makes you reassess and question the legitimacy of what came before each part.

It's impressive when a novel draws you so fully into its story only to pull the rug out and make you question the validity of what you're reading.

Trust by diaz