If Gold Rust, What Will Iron Do? is a true story, an almost unbelievable revelation of the abuses and injustices perpetrated by low-level politicians and their supporters. One man dared to improve the status quo, to stand up for what was right, and jeopardized his body and soul in the process. Laws and common decency were shelved; knee jerking emotionalism, malicious lies and narrow-minded cunning were substituted. One thing mattered to them: winning at any cost. Through detailed records, the novel exposes deeds and people. Most of the time, the masquerades and insensitivity are shameful. At the end of Chapter 2, the main character remembers his efforts and declares:
"As I look back on my accomplishments there, I can think of only a few that were not butchered by some sort of petty, unnecessary power struggle. Every recollection I have is saturated with their INHUMANITY. It seemed one of the few things in which they took real pride and did well . . ."
The book follows an extremely simple story line, but unveils characters, gold and rust, whose motivation is left to God or the devil to explain. In many regards, the writing is a banquet of mots justes, brimming with quiet design. It reads easily, but most will want to savor specific passages more than once.
Without a doubt, If Gold Rust, What Will Iron Do? is for everyone: young and old, student and teacher, employer and employee, taxpayer and politician, client and lawyer, judge and jury. Its subtle emotion tugs at heartstrings, while its blunt realism causes most to shake their heads with disgust.
