TL;DR
In Bentley Little’s chilling novel, ‘The Consultant,’ the employees of CompWare face a nightmarish ordeal when a mysterious consultant, Mr. Patoff, arrives to ‘help’ their struggling company. His bizarre methods and unsettling presence quickly turn the workplace into a surreal and terrifying environment, where the line between reality and madness blurs. As the employees desperately try to understand Mr. Patoff’s motives and escape his control, they are forced to confront their deepest fears and the dark secrets hidden within CompWare.
Table of contents
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Author & Writing Background
Bentley Little is a renowned American horror author known for his darkly humorous and often surreal novels. He has published numerous books, including ‘The Store,’ ‘The Mailman,’ and ‘The University,’ earning him a reputation as a master of modern horror. Little’s writing is characterized by its blend of satire, social commentary, and unsettling scenarios, often exploring the horrors of everyday life and corporate culture.
Key Takeaways
Arrival of Mr. Patoff
The story begins with the sudden appearance of Mr. Patoff, a peculiar consultant hired to improve CompWare’s efficiency. His unorthodox methods and unsettling demeanor immediately raise concerns among the employees.
Escalating Bizarre Events
As Mr. Patoff implements his changes, strange and disturbing events begin to occur within the company. Employees experience hallucinations, bizarre accidents, and a growing sense of paranoia.
Loss of Control
The employees feel increasingly powerless against Mr. Patoff’s influence, as he exerts more control over their lives and the company. Their attempts to resist are met with mysterious and often deadly consequences.
Unveiling Dark Secrets
As the situation spirals out of control, the employees discover dark secrets about CompWare’s past and the true nature of Mr. Patoff’s intentions.
Corporate Horror
The novel explores the horrors of corporate culture, highlighting themes of exploitation, dehumanization, and the loss of individuality within the workplace.
Psychological Terror
Little masterfully creates a sense of psychological terror as the characters descend into madness and question their own sanity.
Surreal and Grotesque
The novel is filled with surreal and grotesque imagery, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare, and leaving a lasting impact on the reader.
Satire and Social Commentary
Beneath the horror, ‘The Consultant’ offers a sharp satire of corporate life and modern society, prompting reflection on our own workplaces and the potential for darkness within them.
FAQ about The Consultant
Is ‘The Consultant’ based on a true story?
No, ‘The Consultant’ is a work of fiction. However, its exploration of corporate culture and the potential for darkness within organizations may resonate with readers who have experienced similar situations in their own lives.
What is the meaning of the ending?
The ending of ‘The Consultant’ is open to interpretation, leaving readers to ponder the ultimate fate of the characters and the true nature of Mr. Patoff. This ambiguity adds to the unsettling and thought-provoking nature of the novel.
Is this book similar to other Bentley Little novels?
Yes, ‘The Consultant’ shares many similarities with Bentley Little’s other works, including its blend of horror, humor, and social commentary. It explores similar themes of everyday horrors and the dark side of human nature, but with its own unique and unsettling premise.
The Consultant Quotes
- Mr. Patoff smiled. It was not a pleasant smile.
- The office had become a labyrinth, a place of shadows and whispers.
- They were trapped in a nightmare, and there was no waking up.