A review by buying_time_
Bartleby the Scrivener by Herman Melville

dark reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

The employees of a small but successful law office are unusual. Messrs Turkey — a model employee up to lunchtime, becomes erratic in the afternoon; and Nippers — an irascible chap in the mornings, yet favourable in the afternoons. And Ginger Nut, the office dogsbody. Then there's Bartelby. A new hire who would 'prefer not to' do anything other than copy documents — a mantra that frustratingly endears him to his boss. Unfortunately, it also defines Bartleby's own will to life.

Charmingly written, Bartleby is a short but interesting allegorical tale of work, life, and free-will (among other themes) and shows how damaging a reluctance to accept a change in life can be.