Chief by John Lyttle III [Book Review]

Chief by John Lyttle III is a short story following Chris Bent, known in the story by the nickname Chief, who is a janitor in a big business skyscraper in New York. His role as janitor of the top five floors in this building allows him to form connections with the employees. Slowly, people start to trust in him and ask him for advice. After a scuffle in the office arises, the importance of his role is revealed.

I usually don’t read short stories, and was especially wary of this one since the blurb was only one sentence, but the author asked me to read it, and because its only 19 pages, I decided to give it a go – and I’m glad I did! This short story will definitely stay with me for a while as it presents the reader with an excellent plot twist as well as a little reality check that so many of us need.

One of the positives of this book is how realistic the situation is – personal problems and back-stabbing often arise in companies, especially ones that are known for their prosperity and wealth. The pressure put on these individuals is unparalleled, so from the onset the situation isn’t all that hard to imagine happening. The advice Chief dishes out throughout the story ranges from education to love advice to moral checks, and shows that it is often those we deem inferior or low on the economic scale that have advice for those who may have not experienced the same kind of hardship.

Additionally, Chief is an extremely likably character, having a great aura with everyone in the office and being someone who actually listens to them. One of the businessmen even acknowledges that his son is likely to listen to Chief because of his career, making him honest and ‘admirable’.

The only issue I had with the story is to do with the business that I just mentioned, specifically that a character asked Chief to sway his son on a pressing issue in his life. How plausible is it really for a 12-year-old to submissively accept the advice of someone? It seemed a little exaggerated for the son to accept it so easily from a character who is portrayed as a simple ordinary working man, but other than that, the book carries a lot of weight.

The advice handed out in this book is that of honesty, practicality, and generosity. Most of us are aware of how expensive gifts and lavish holidays from our partner doesn’t reflect on how much they love us, but it still affects how people view themselves and others. Chief’s role of letting people realise their toxic behaviour through simple advice is the centre of the book, with him representing a concept of Wisdom.

Overall, if you’re looking for a quick read with an unexpected ending this book is definitely for you! I would love to read anything else Lyttle publishers and hope he receives the acknowledgement he deserves!

You can purchase it from:

Amazon UK here.

Amazon US here.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5