Six Figures

by Fred G. Leebron

Book Overview

WithSix Figures, Fred Leebron has written an intricately nuanced novel of psychological investigation and suspense, riveting in the depth and intensity of the questions it raises about ourselves --... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0375406409
• ISBN13: 9780375406409
• Release Date: March 2000
• Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.0" x 8.7"

Customer Reviews

An Interesting Story; An Engaging Novel

Six Figures is an interesting and enjoyable read, quick, but with substance. It is the story of Warner and Megan a not so happily married couple, living on the fringes of Charlotte NC's successes with their two young children. The stresses on their marriage ring true and any married person with young kids will recognize them. The daily grind of diapers, preschool, the depressingness of seeing others so much more successful, driving new Volvos when your Honda is falling apart. Leebron doesn't dwell on any of this envy, this unhappy marriage-ness for too long, he delves in and out of his characters heads so the reader gets a flavor of their misery without without making the reader miserable. Megan is then brutally attacked and near death. Warner is the only suspect. Leebron then explores what happens to the marriage, and the family after it is torn apart by the attack. We never really, truly know if Warner did it or not, but that's OK. It's not necessary because this novel is not a mystery-thriller, it is a story of marriage and of family. What makes this book so enjoyable is the total believability of all of Leebron's characters and their relationships. We have met people like them and have felt like them many times. Warner is not exactly a likeable guy, but he's not awful either, probably because the envy he feels is something we have all felt at one time or another.Six Figures is a satisfying read. I am surprised at, and have to disagree with, the negative reviews at this website. Give this book a read, I don't think you will regret it.

Very thought provoking drama

Warner Lutz may be the unhappiest person on the planet, (or at least in the Carolinas), although he seems to have it all. He makes more than an adequate living working for a nonprofit organization, has a nice wife and two children. However, he suffers from a mid-life crisis, taking his acrimonious frustrations out on his wife Megan.Warner soon learns how fabulous is life was when an assailant attacks Megan near the art gallery where she works. Megan remains in a coma in a hospital as everyone who knows Warner is convinced he assaulted his spouse. His mother-in-law, his own parents, and even his children believe Warner attacked Megan. As bad as his relatives mistrust his pleas of innocence, the police strongly feel he is the prime suspect. All Warner can do is pray Megan awakens from her comatose state to affirm his innocence even as he wonders why everyone he knows think he is capable of such a vicious attack.SIX FIGURES is an interesting drama that centers on the relationships of several people interacting with one person (Warner). The story line works because of everyone's deep conviction that Warner could do the dastardly deed although at first glimpse the protagonist does not appear capable of performing the vicious act. Anyone who relishes a well-written disturbing character study of the pressure to succeed in middle class America will want to read Fred G. Leebron's terrific tale.Harriet Klausner

Gripping and relentless

I picked up this book before bedtime, expecting to read a chapter or two and followed the luckless Lutz family all the way to the final page. Leebron's swift moving and understated style leaves you with an uneasy uncertainty right up to the end. Could Warner have attacked his wife? Did she betray him earlier with a family friend? Will they find a true new beginning in a new place or will their doubts follow them north? Do Megan and Warner stay together out of loyalty or inertia? And, to echo the mother-in-law does anyone really know anyone? An intense and unnerving book - just don't give it to anyone for a wedding gift. Six Figures really makes you think twice about this "Till death do we part" thing.

Class act

A terrific read - ferociously gripping and almost painfully moving - but the best thing about this book is its acute dissection of class.

Great story, great writing

I read this book in one sitting (okay, two--I took a break to watch The Sopranos). Anyway, SIX FIGURES is a wonderful, fast read. Leebron's prose is sharp and his story is compelling. Warner Lutz (the main character) is an Everyman caught in the trap of career and marriage; he wants both--maybe. When his wife is the victim of violent crime, everybody--and even Warner himself--wonders if he was capable of the crime. And was he? Ah, for that you have to read the book.