Review of "Please Hold," by Tricia Stewart Shiu

Review of

Please Hold, by Tricia Stewart Shiu ISBN 9780996881609

Four out of five stars

 This novel depicts the life and career of a female executive assistant working in a studio where films and theater productions are made. It is described as a world of people being up, then down, where people battle over parking rights, cubicle space and jockey for position by going around, under and occasionally through others. It is clear that while the names have been changed to protect the innocent, the story is largely autobiographical.

 There is no sleaze or anything approaching Hollywood and celebrity style dirt, yet the story is surprisingly engaging. The subject matter, largely that of petty office politics, is not all that exciting, yet Shiu writes it so well that it keeps you engaged. Other plot devices are a budding love affair and unfinished business regarding her parents. However, because there is no intense drama or climactic events, it is a story that has a short mental shelf life. It is an item of “fiction” where you read, enjoy and then move on.

This book was made available for free for review purposes.