When Jacob Deveraux gets hired at the reputable bank, he knows he isn’t right for the job: he’s been there before and he knows exactly what to expect. His plans to make the best of it soon fall foul when he is overheard making a rude remark about his manager in the cafeteria. Loaded with a sense of futility, this at times shocking confessional earmarks the subtleties of a valueless culture, in which Deveraux must be at the mercy of others if he is to fit in. The Upshot of the Postmodern is a collection of mixed-up tales, of alienation, angst and aestheticism, recounting Jacob’s story as well as five others. It will appeal to fans of existentialist literature, and those who enjoy the kind of inward-looking, soul-searching character who can find great heroism in the most commonplace event or thing. “The book demanded to be transferred from life to paper,” says author Stephen.