This is an important book. The author has written the first real bitcoin novel. Is it art? Maybe not. Is it the best work of fiction I have ever read? No. What it is, though, is the well thought out piece of propaganda that bitcoin needed. I don’t mean to use that word in its modern, pejorative sense, but more as the word was originally used in the 1600s to spread the Roman Catholic faith in non Catholic countries.
This is Michael R. Sullivan’s second novel. He published The Final Flaw in 2022. Listen to his interview with Robert Breedlove if you want to hear more about his motivation for writing this book.
Things I like:
-
It does a great job of showing why bitcoin is a revolutionary technology. Concepts like self custody and censorship resistance are integral to the plot, and the casual reader learns about seed phrases, bitcoin mining, and other concepts along the way.
-
It’s not science fiction
I am tired of bitcoin science fiction. I really appreciate reading a story about bitcoin that is set in the 21st century.
-
It is not boring. This book is an action thriller. It is not normally the type of fiction I read, but it is exciting, fast paced, and never boring. I found myself wanting to know what happens next. I read the book in a few days.
-
It could be made into a movie
I envision some independent film maker acquiring the rights and making a movie out of it. Maybe some whales will get together and fund it.
Things I don’t like:
- The Title
I understand why the author likes the title, but I agree with his publisher, who urged him to change it. I’m guessing most people don’t know what the word bourgeoise means, and just as many can’t pronounce it.
- The Cover
By the time you get to the end of the book you will understand why the author chose the drawing of a tree, but I think a more action thriller type cover would sell better. I do appreciate that it wasn’t covered with gold bitcoin symbols.
- The comically implausible scenarios
There were a bunch of these, but the only one that really bothered me was the “two people sharing a parachute” scene, which was way too ridiculous, even for an action thriller. I wish this was edited out.
Conclusion
You should buy it and read it, even if you don’t usually read action thrillers. I think most bitcoiners will enjoy it. The book does have a corny ending. Spoiler alert: Bitcoin saves the day. The good guys win. The lovers are united and live happily ever after. I admit I’m a sap. I enjoyed it. Blood Of The Bourgeoise sets the standard for a bitcoin novel, even though that may be because it has no competition yet. I liked it much better than The Mandibles, and that is the most popular bitcoin adjacent novel I can think of. It deserves our support. Spread the word to your family and friends who like this type of book. It has solid orange pilling potential, and it’s fun to read. Buy lots of copies and give them away. Bitcoin benefits the more popular this book becomes.