Company (novel)

Company is a book written by Max Barry. In 2006 it became Barry's third published novel, following Jennifer Government in 2003. The novel is set in a modern corporation.

Plot summary

The setting for the novel is Seattle, at a company called Zephyr Holdings, although from the building it is difficult to discern the company's type of business. Apparently a defining characteristic of the company is its obscurity. In fact, in the novel no one has ever met the CEO.

When Stephen Jones, a young recruit, reports for his first day in the Training Sales Department shortly after there has been a theft. Stephen is promoted from assistant to acting sales representative. However, Stephen believes the company is hiding something—something that would explain why people who are fired seem to disappear. And, he wonders, what exactly is the Omega Management System?

Characters in Company

• Stephen Jones – Training Sales Dept. "tryout"; Roger Jefferson's Sales Assistant
• Sydney Harper – Training Sales Dept. Manager
• Megan Jackson – Training Sales Dept. Personal Assistant
• Elizabeth Miller – Training Sales Dept. Sales Rep 1
• Holly Vale – Training Sales Dept., Elizabeth Miller's Sales Assistant
• Wendell Hartford – Training Sales Dept. Sales Rep 2
• Freddy Carlson – Wendel Hartfords's Sales Assistant
• Roger Jefferson – Training Sales Dept. Sales Rep 3
• Eve Jantiss – Receptionist
• Blake Seddon – Senior Management
• Daniel Klausman – CEO

Film, TV or theatrical adaptations

Universal Pictures has acquired screen rights to the novel, which Steve Pink will adapt. Tom Shadyac and Michael Bostick will produce the film through Shady Acres.