Many folks have said they should and would pen the story of Larry Hillblom, but only Scurlock has carried out the task. As the reader will find out, Hillblom was an interesting, weird fellow. Not only did he create a major international company out of nothing, but he found a tiny Pacific island that he could easily manipulate for his own motives. He, literally, became King (or kingmaker) in the Marianas due to his fantastic wealth and will. His mysterious death in a plane accident and, subsequent, emergence of illegitimate heirs born out of wedlock to young Asian virgins elevates this tale to something truly out of the ordinary. The messy political and legal bloodbath over his billion dollar estate is enough to make anyone swear off going to law school.
Give Scurlock credit as many other worthy writers have given up on this task as the digging, distance and due diligence must have been overwhelming. He lays down the story in three parts rather well. Early on, Hilbloom is portrayed as a true underdog character taking on building a new, exciting company and sticking it to the Big Guys. He seems likable despite the fact that he has few, if any, redeeming qualities except being an exceptionally motivated, hard worker and "the rich boss." As the tale progresses, however, Hilbloom cocoons himself in his protected Micronesian Hamlet by propping up politicians and business deals by intimidation, legal maneuvers and sheer bully wealth. A true sense of his personality evaded me as a great deal was made over his idiosyncrasies like his shabby dress, diet, and, eventually, his sexual depravity. The story is patched together through the eyes of business associates, yes men, adversaries, court documents and a fair number of hangers on. It would appear he really did not have friends in the usual sense.
One suspects a screenplay in the offing as this would be a great movie and Scurlock knows his film.
There are a few geographical bloopers that the editor should have caught. References are made toward illegal drug distribution in the early days of DHL, but never explored further. Hilbloom's own drug use is briefly mentioned early in the book, but is curiously absent as the book progresses.
It was an engaging, interesting read that I have been looking forward to for over a decade and we have Spurlock to thank for putting it out there for us to consume.
