
In The Art of the Steal, author Cynthia Zaitz PhD. brings us a comedic parody of the motivation and thought processes of perhaps, the most divisive and discussed politician in the history of humanity – one Donald J Trump, President of the United States. Through her imaginary character, Aimon Niddy Ott, who she describes as Trump’s Id, she takes us on a journey to unravel what she believes is ultimately behind all his decision making processes and what really goes on inside the mind of a megalomaniac, kleptocrat. Zaitz takes us through a typical day in the life of Mr Ott, as he juggles the many tasks of the “most important man in the Universe”. The title of the book itself, clearly a parody on Trump’s ‘own’ work, The Art of the Deal, gives us a hint as to what motivates this enigma of a President, in the author’s mind. The Presidency, it appears, is just the finest opportunity businessman Trump has had to date, to steal from everyone.
There is considerable humour to be gained from parody and sarcasm, two tools author Cynthia Zaitz PhD. uses to extremes in The Art of the Steal and sections of it are genuinely funny, especially if you are against Trump and his policies. Zaitz makes no secret at all of her total and utter disdain for Donald Trump and the fact that she lives for the day this “terrible period” in United States history is over and done with. With that in mind and knowing there will be no counterbalancing, it is easier to enjoy and appreciate the wit and comedic flair in some parts of this narrative. My only concern, in the reading of this book, is the continual repetition of the one-liner’s that drip from Trump’s mouth like saliva and are recorded here, ad nauseam. The author would probably argue that they drip from Trump’s mouth ad nauseam also and that would indeed be hard to argue with. If you are anti-Trump or somewhere in between you will find this book fun, engaging and quite enjoyable. If you are one of the President’s base, I have little doubt this book will offend you deeply. Perhaps that, in itself, best summarises the polarisation of US politics, since the rise and rise of Trumpism – that being said, this is a fun read.
