Refreshing…and Scary…Premise (June 2, 2017)
By Linda B. Nightingale at Amazon
CommWealth is a story of human greed, in its many and varied facets. What if you could simply walk up to that jackass in the Aston Martin and ask for the car—and get it for 30 days of enjoyment? The theme is original and refreshing (if scary and thought-provoking). The characters and their motivations are realistic and develop the story realistically. They carry out their parts in CommWealth with reluctance or vigor, depending on the character or the particular moment in that person’s life. The premise of this book is hard to sell but Mr. Smith manages quite well.

To avoid a plot spoiler, I’ll simply say that there is a sudden twist in the plot that I didn’t see coming though there were hints sprinkled throughout the book. The pace and dialogue are snappy. On the surface, CommWealth is a quick read, but beware and don’t become complacent. You can be coasting along and find yourself on the wrong road.

I found the character Allan annoying but am almost certain Mr. Smith intended him to be. Richard was a bit pathetic, but again very human with human reactions to a CommWealth claim for property that would be dear to any artist.

I can recommend CommWealth as an excellent read but the premise is indeed frightening to a capitalist. I’d read Mr. Smith’s Jack Commer books, but CommWealth is a far cry from that series. The author’s imagination and command of writing make his books well worth the investment of time and (close) attention. Enjoy (and be glad CommWealth is only a book).

Uniquely interesting (September 28, 2021)
By A Reader
CommWealth explores the principles of capitalism in a very unique way. The premise is based on the idea that we can level the socio-economic playing field by allowing everyone to have whatever he or she wants, just by asking for it. Obviously, this new kind of capitalism is too good to be true and actually incites more greed.

What I appreciate the most about this novel is that it is closer to a farce than a typical dystopian novel, which I found refreshing. The metaplot surrounding the theater troupe putting on a “play of sorts” in real-time is an especially intriguing element.