The Tale of Human Flaws

The Prize intricately interweaves four narratives, each highlighting a different flaw of humanity, through the lives of seven intriguing protagonists. John Garrett, a medical researcher, harbors a deep-seated bitterness towards his fellow laureate, Carlos Farelli. Meanwhile, Denise Marceau, a cunning biologist, seeks vengeance against her husband, Claude, who has strayed into the arms of another woman. Novelist Andrew Craig finds himself shackled by the guilt of his wife's tragic accident, drowning his sorrows in alcohol. In the shadows of his past, Max Stratman, a former Nazi rocket engineer, attempts to cleanse his soul through solar energy experiments and by caring for his orphaned niece, Emily.

Richly Woven Characters

The tapestry of these seven characters is woven with threads of their pasts—parents, lovers, childhoods, and careers interlaced into their identities. Wallace deftly draws even the minor characters with just enough detail to bring them to life: the relentless journalist craving an exposé, the merciless Communist operative, and the alluring Swedish actress.

Favored Protagonists

Despite his efforts to equally flesh out the major characters, Wallace's narrative compass clearly points toward two: Denise Marceau and Andrew Craig. He invites the reader to delve deeper into their intricate psyches. Marceau emerges as a smart, self-assured heroine, transforming from an unremarkable figure to a femme fatale in a bid to salvage her marriage. As for Craig, he is Wallace's true champion—a writer whose journey is riddled with the most thrilling escapades and profound growth. Although introduced in turmoil, both mentally and physically, he soon finds his footing. Craig basks in the dalliance with an actress, resists the advances of his manipulative sister-in-law, outsmarts Communist spies, and ultimately captures the heart of Emily Stratman. In the world of Wallace, the writer is always the consummate hero.