In 2005, Charles Firth travelled to the US and over a period of six
months invented five fictional American characters, each of whom
represent a different point of view in American politics, and sent them
out into the real world to see how successful they would be.
Charles' hypothesis was simple: whichever character got the furthest
in America's fiercely competitive marketplace of ideas would be the
victor. Would it be the conservative economist, the national security
consultant, the left-liberal advertising executive, the working class
white trash or the Muslim poet?
The result is a compelling tale of an Australian "outsider" (and his
dubious acting skills) coming to grips with America, Americans and the
American dream, by confronting real Americans with their own rhetoric.
Along the way, you'll share in each character's hilarious triumphs and
tragic setbacks and you'll share Charles frustration as he meets more
and more real Americans who seem even more fictional than the people he
has invented.
If you've ever wondered how far a conservative economist can go in
the land of opportunity using Google, a fake email account and a really
bad American accent, then you're a strange person - but this is the
book for you.
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