The Arrangement (novel)

The Arrangement is a 1967 novel by American author Elia Kazan. It tells the story of Evangelos "Eddie" Arness, a successful and wealthy advertising executive who appears to have it all, but is deeply unhappy and conflicted.

The novel explores themes of identity, societal pressure, the American Dream, and the search for meaning in a superficial world. Eddie's life spirals out of control after a near-fatal car accident, prompting him to re-evaluate his marriage, career, and relationship with his Greek immigrant family, particularly his domineering father.

The narrative is characterized by its experimental structure, employing stream-of-consciousness, flashbacks, and shifting perspectives to delve into Eddie's inner turmoil. He grapples with his Greek heritage and the expectations placed upon him by his family, as well as the pressures of conforming to the materialistic values of American society.

The Arrangement was a bestseller upon its release and was adapted into a film in 1969, also directed by Kazan, starring Kirk Douglas and Faye Dunaway. While the film received mixed reviews, the novel remains a significant work examining the complexities of identity and the disillusionment with the American Dream in the post-World War II era.