Paul Trilby, a downtrodden office temp, navigates a surreal existence beneath the fluorescent lights of his cubicle. Pestered by his overbearing coworker Olivia and his demanding boss, Paul finds an unexpected romantic connection with Callie, the Mail Girl. Within the chaotic backdrop of office life, Paul discovers a secret world that promises to liberate him from his mundane tasks, but at a dark cost.

The Fall and Temptations of Paul Trilby

Kings of Infinite Space is a satirical investigation into the battle for the soul of a modern-day everyman. Paul Trilby reflects on his life as he grapples with a series of personal and professional failures, recalling his squandered opportunities and tumultuous relationships. His ponderous moments at a traffic signal remind him of his once-promising future, while the echoes of his past indiscretions weigh heavily on his conscience, setting the stage for his susceptibility to temptation.

Literary Influences and Hidden Meanings

James Hynes skillfully weaves literary allusions throughout his novel, lending depth to Paul's journey. The opening chant from H. G. Wells's The Island of Dr. Moreau introduces themes of human nature that are explored as the narrative unfolds. Paul's reading choice, Wells's The Time Machine, and a Shakespearean screensaver offer further layers of meaning, prompting readers to question the boundaries of human capability and morality.

Paul: An Everyman in a Cubicle World

Paul’s existence is defined by the banal trials of his lowly office role. His aging car, with its cracked windshield, is a poignant emblem of his lack of success amid the prosperity of his SUV-driving colleagues. The cubicle across from Paul houses a man dying of cancer, whose plight is exacerbated by Olivia's relentless demands, highlighting the dehumanizing nature of their corporate environment.

The Complex Web of Paul's Relationships

Women play a pivotal role in Paul's life, often serving as obstacles or objects of desire. Despite Paul's repeated failures in relationships, he pursues Callie, whose aspirations for self-improvement through literature intrigue him. Meanwhile, Paul's encounters with Olivia exemplify the conflicts he faces in his quest for professional stability.

A New Temptation Emerges

Paul is introduced to an unsettling alternative to his office drudgery through the enigmatic Colonel, J. J., and Bob Wier. This trio leads Paul into their clandestine world, where forgotten men perform office work in exchange for freedom from the mundane. While hesitant, Paul’s curiosity pulls him toward their secretive lunchtime meetings, despite his initial ambivalence toward the group.

Strange Happenings and Haunting Presences

Paul’s world is further complicated by peculiar occurrences both at work and at home. The ghostly presence of his deceased wife's cat, Charlotte, haunts him, adding to his unease. His landlady and Callie both sense Charlotte's eerie presence, lending credence to Paul's experiences and reinforcing the novel’s theme of blurred reality.

The Mysterious Trio and Secret Societies

The Colonel and his companions hint at a dark secret they wish to share with Paul, as office dynamics grow increasingly tense. An unexpected romantic twist with Callie and Olivia's manipulative schemes create a volatile mix, tempting Paul to delve deeper into the underbelly of his workplace. Paul becomes ensnared in a world of whispers and shadowy figures, marked by the haunting question: "Are we not men?"

The Legend of Stanley Tulendij

Office lore comes to life as Paul learns the chilling tale of Stanley Tulendij, Rick’s predecessor. Stanley’s principled stand against workforce downsizing led to his downfall, yet his legacy lingers in the form of the pale men who labor in secret. This ghostly workforce, believed lost in a tragic storm, offers Paul an unsettling glimpse into the cost of corporate loyalty.