The Grand Scheme of Things by Warona Jay ~ a Review

by MK French

Relebogile Naledi Mpho Moruakgomo, Eddie for short, is an aspiring playwright hoping to make it big in London’s theater world. Repeated rejections make her suspect it's her name and not her plays that are the problem. Hugo Lawrence Smith is stifled by his law degree and wants out. He and Eddie become friends and plan to use Hugo's name on Eddie’s play. When her plays are successful, they can expose the theater world for its racism and hollow clout-chasing. This plan soon spirals out of control, leaving Eddie and Hugo wondering if their reputations and friendship can survive.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

February 2025; Washington Square Press; 978-1668062364
audio, ebook, print (288 pages); satire

Breaking into the literary scene is difficult, but it seems harder for those who have ethnic names and don't seem to have default whiteness or wealth. It definitely seems the case when Eddie gets rejections on her play with her own name, and a meeting with a pen name that turns into a rejection soon after, despite the apparent interest to start with. Her play is about identity, belonging, worthiness, and citizenship; ironically, her first-generation immigrant status inspired it but can't get her foot through the door. Enter Hugo, a year after their chance meeting. His name wins an award for the play and gets an agent and production right away. Now all they have to do is lie to everyone in both their lives to see the play made.

The false identity to get through the door has been done in other novels before, but this one seems to hit me harder. I think because we have the intersection of race, nationality, and gender all possibly making it harder for Eddie to succeed. The UK doesn't have the same "work hard and you'll be a success" story that America does, but that's the mentality for every immigrant and their family, no matter what country they enter. Families want success and financial security for their children, and the arts are chancy because it's luck and connections as well as talent that brings popularity. While the bargain starts out with an idea to expose the theater world as not-inclusive, the lies weigh down everyone involved. It's hard to maintain integrity with that weight, leading to the final third of the novel. It comes together nicely, and the question of identity and worth remains. People will always second guess whether it's opportunity or connections. Either way, talent and the bravery to continue will always help someone make their mark.

Buy The Grand Scheme of Things at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and a golden retriever.

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