The Plot is a mystery thriller novel written by American novelist Jean Hanff Korelitz. It was published by Celadon Books in May 2021. The book is Korelitz’s seventh novel and made it on the New York Times Bestseller list and The Tonight Show Summer Reads.
The novel follows Jake, a once talented author but now a failed writer who teaches an MFA program at Ripley College. As an unsuccessful novelist, Jake has not written any material for quite some time. Therefore, one of his protégé Evan claims that he no longer needs his assistance in the plot that he is developing. Evan believes his book will be successful irrespective of the creative teacher’s input. Jake later learns that his student was found dead which prompts him to publish the story as his own. As per Evan’s predictions, the novel is a success and gives Jake the notoriety and respect he always craved. However, he receives disturbing messages that accuse him of intellectual theft forcing him to begin his investigations. He learns the story in the book is actually a true story and it involves Evan’s family members and sinister occurrences.
The book is a story within a story and the plot reveals how they are more connected than Jake expected. It delves into the question of appropriation and plagiarism in publishing and the idea of telling someone’s story. Though Jakes tells the story for selfish and covetous reasons, he also genuinely wants to tell a story that must be told. The novel is set to be adapted into a limited series starring Mahershala Ali.
