Review: The Doorman by Chris Pavone Political Suspense – Beauty Cooks Kisses

In his latest novel, The Doorman by Chris Pavone, readers are immediately drawn into the exclusive and yet the tumultuous world of the Bohemia, one of New York City’s most elite buildings. Here is where we meet our protagonist, doorman Chicky Diaz, who stands at the literal and metaphorical threshold between its privileged residents and the simmering chaos of the streets outside.

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Inside the Bohemia’s opulent walls, lives unravel in profound ways: Emily Longworth is trapped in a loveless marriage, bound by an ironclad prenuptial agreement, while Julian Sonnenberg grapples with a failing career, a crumbling marriage, and a life-threatening diagnosis. But as protests rage outside and societal tensions rise within, Chicky faces his own profound crisis—tonight, for the first time in thirty years, he’s carrying a gun, and before his shift ends, someone will die. Pavone masterfully weaves these disparate threads into a tapestry of suspense, privilege, and the raw realities of a city poised to boil over.

Themes and Analysis

Chris Pavone uses the high-stakes thriller plot of The Doorman as a vehicle for incisive social commentary, especially on themes of class, privilege, and the stark divisions within contemporary society.

Class and Privilege

The Bohemia Apartments functions as a small world that perfectly mirrors the larger society’s deep divisions. Within its opulent walls, Pavone presents a clear contrast: the ultra-wealthy residents who live lives of immense luxury are often shown as oblivious and indifferent to the turmoil and struggles beyond their exclusive bubble. These characters are frequently depicted engaging in activities like shopping or sipping expensive wine, seemingly insulated from—and unconcerned by—the difficult realities faced by everyday people.

Their self-absorption is a recurring theme, highlighting how the building functions as their own elite world, populated by individuals just like them, and largely untouched by common concerns. Pavone effectively shows how extreme privilege can lead to a profound lack of empathy and awareness regarding societal inequalities.

Social Division and Racial Tensions

Beyond the class divide, The Doorman powerfully explores the deep-seated social and racial tensions simmering beneath the surface of New York City. The fatal shooting of an unarmed Black man by the NYPD acts as a crucial catalyst in the narrative, serving as the spark that ignites a larger exploration of class injustice. This event reverberates through the city, and particularly within the Bohemia, where its impact is felt differently depending on one’s position.

The staff of the Bohemia is primarily Black and Latino staff that are acutely aware of these injustices. While they are depicted as fearful to speak up directly due to their reliance on the work, they nonetheless forge bonds and strive to help each other amidst the rising tensions. Their concerns are less about the building’s stability and more about their own survival and the hope for genuine justice.

Chicky Diaz, as a Latino doorman, embodies the complexities of this struggle. He is portrayed with a mix of faults and strengths, showing that heroism in such a charged environment isn’t simple, but a nuanced journey born from difficult circumstances. Pavone uses these dynamics to paint a stark picture of a “melting pot” that, rather than blending, reveals its ever-starker divisions.

The Thriller as a Vehicle for Commentary

Beyond its compelling characters and social critique that Chris Pavone created, The Doorman is at its heart a heart-pounding thriller. This author expertly crafts a narrative filled with suspense and a ticking-clock intensity that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. This isn’t merely for entertainment; the novel’s suspense mirrors the urgent tension between the ultra-rich in power and the common people simply trying to survive in today’s world. The high stakes of Chicky’s single night at the Bohemia amplify the broader societal conflicts at play.

Moreover, the thrilling plot serves as a powerful reminder that justice, in one form or another, eventually comes to light. Through its intricate web of intrigue, robbery, and murder, the story implicitly argues for the fundamental necessity of balance, emphasizing that there always needs to be a system that is just and fair for everyone. The impending confrontation within the Bohemia becomes a dramatic representation of the forces striving for equilibrium in a deeply imbalanced world.

Strengths of the Book

Beyond its compelling thematic depth, The Doorman shines brightly due to several key strengths that elevate it as a standout read. The characters are fully fleshed-out characters; even as the plot hurtles forward, each individual feels authentic and multidimensional, their motivations and struggles clearly drawn.

The novel is undeniably fast-paced, maintaining a relentless, heart-pounding rhythm that propels the narrative forward without ever feeling rushed. This keeps the reader consistently engaged, providing the kind of gripping thriller entertainment that fans of the genre crave.

Crucially, The Doorman achieves the difficult feat of offering thrilling suspense while simultaneously giving the reader a profound amount to think about. It moves beyond mere entertainment to offer sharp insights into life, how people are treated, and how they are viewed from vastly different perspectives. Pavone skillfully uses the intricate plot and diverse cast to provoke reflection on issues of class, power, and societal fairness, making it a book that resonates long after the final page is turned.

Critique/Potential Weaknesses

While The Doorman largely excels in its pacing and intricate storytelling, some readers might find that occasionally the narrative got a bit sidetracked through certain subplots. While these diversions often contribute to character depth or thematic exploration, a few might have been condensed or kept more tightly focused on the main action to further streamline the plot flow. For those seeking an unceasingly breakneck pace, these moments of thematic or character-driven expansion could, at times, slightly temper the overall momentum.

My Final Thoughts

The Doorman by Chris Pavone is a must-read for anyone who appreciates suspense that comes with substance. It uniquely presents two starkly different views of life and outlooks, vividly illustrating how each group perceives the other, and how these perspectives fundamentally shape their values and whom they become as people. Ultimately, this novel serves as a piercing commentary on the influence of money and power, revealing their capacity to control and manipulate others, and the relentless struggle for balance and justice in a deeply divided world. Pavone proves once again why he is a master of the intelligent thriller, leaving readers both breathless from the plot and reflective about the world we live in. Check it out!

Thanks to Farrar, Straus and Giroux for this #gifted book for this review.