Book Summary:
Overload by Arthur Hailey is a fast-paced, issue-driven novel set in the world of power generation and energy politics. The story follows Nimrod “Nim” Goldman, a public relations executive for Golden State Power and Light, California’s largest utility company. As the state faces rising electricity demands, environmental protests, and threats of sabotage, Nim becomes caught between corporate responsibility, public safety, and the complex moral questions surrounding energy production. Hailey weaves together multiple perspectives—from executives and engineers to activists and ordinary citizens—showing how a single crisis can ripple through an entire society. When extremists launch violent attacks on the power grid and a deadly heatwave pushes the system to its limits, Nim must navigate professional pressures and personal temptation while trying to prevent catastrophe. Blending suspense with real-world technical detail, the novel exposes the vulnerabilities of modern infrastructure and the ethical dilemmas at the heart of energy consumption.
About the Author:
Arthur Hailey (1920–2004) was a bestselling British-Canadian novelist known for his meticulously researched, industry-focused thrillers that reveal the inner workings of complex systems. Before becoming a full-time writer, Hailey worked in the Royal Air Force and later held various business roles, which helped shape his understanding of organizational structures and human behavior. His novels—such as Airport, Hotel, Wheels, and The Moneychangers—often became major films or television adaptations. Hailey’s signature style combined technical depth, strong character development, and high-stakes drama, making him one of the most popular writers of mid-to-late 20th-century commercial fiction.
