Victim: A Novel by Andrew Boryga

"Victim" presents Javier Perez as a savvy hustler from the Bronx, adept at leveraging his background to navigate the complexities of identity politics. From a disadvantaged upbringing marred by familial struggles and urban hardships, Javier learns to manipulate the narratives surrounding diversity initiatives to his advantage. With a calculated blend of embellishment and manipulation, he secures a coveted academic scholarship, propelling him closer to his aspiration of becoming a renowned writer.

However, Javier's success hinges on a fabricated narrative, obscuring the truths of his past beneath layers of fiction. Despite his newfound acclaim and recognition, he maintains a tenuous connection to his roots through sporadic correspondence with Gio, his childhood friend entangled in the criminal underworld.

As Javier's career trajectory evolves, propelled by viral essays and journalistic endeavors, the authenticity of his narrative becomes increasingly scrutinized. His friendship with Gio, who perceives through the facade of Javier's manufactured identity, serves as a constant reminder of the veracity he has sacrificed for success.

With the offer to involve Gio in his newfound fame, Javier faces a pivotal juncture where his elaborate ruse may unravel. "Victim" explores the dichotomy between personal ambition and ethical integrity, interrogating the notion of diversity and the commodification of identity for individual gain.

A scathing satire akin to the works of Paul Beatty, "Victim" delves into the complexities of authenticity in an era defined by virtue signaling and performative activism. Through Javier's journey, the novel challenges preconceived notions of diversity while exposing the lengths individuals are willing to traverse to sculpt their narratives for societal validation and success.