John Hunt’s novel Speculator is set against the backdrop of the economic and social upheaval of the mid-1990s in rural America. It tells the story of three people—Dale, a middle-aged man who lives in a small Michigan town; his daughter Rain, who has come home to help her father with his failing business; and Dave, a political consultant who has been hired to help Dale run the business.
The novel opens with the town in turmoil: the local economy has collapsed, and the community is facing bankruptcy. People are struggling to make ends meet, and several shops and businesses have closed their doors. All of this has contributed to the layer of fear and mistrust that lies beneath the surface. When Dave enters the picture, his character appears as a beacon of hope: he claims to have developed a business plan that will turn the fortunes of the town around, but no one knows for certain if his plan is feasible. Dale’s daughter Rain is skeptical of Dave’s intentions, and she is not alone.
Rain is soon proved right in her suspicions: Dave is quickly revealed to be a corporate speculator, out to make a profit from the town’s misfortune. He is ruthless in his exploitation of the town’s resources, and his actions leave the community shaken and angry. Rain teams up with another of Dave’s victims, a local activist who encourages the citizens to fight back against the speculator’s plans. Meanwhile, despite the increasing tension in the town, Dale is determined to stick by Dave and his plan, and puts his faith in the consultant’s ability to save the town.
The novel builds to a climax as the townspeople take a stand against Dave and his schemes, while two of his victims take matters into their own hands and confront him directly. In the aftermath of the confrontation, the townspeople are forced to seriously consider their future—whether to keep struggling against forces of corporate greed, or find some other way to survive.
Speculator is a compelling story that provides a passionate look at small-town life and the economic upheaval of the 1990s. It offers a powerful warning of the dangers of corporate interests and their relentless pursuit of profit. At its heart, it is a story of personal struggle and perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds. Whether Dale and his daughter are able to save their town or not, Speculator is a thought-provoking tale that will stay with the reader long after the book is closed.
