About This Book
Woman with a Curve
Author Shahzad Rizvi, an Indian writer long-residing in the
Washington area, skewers politics in the nation's capital in his satire, Woman with a Curve. A former White House
interpreter and veteran of the civil service, Rizvi writes with both intimate
knowledge of the Washington scene and a florid imagination.
The two main characters of Woman with a Curve are girlhood friends Minnie and Maxie, who come
to the Washington area from a small town. Efficient, conscientious Minnie begins
a rise to the heights of prominence through a chance encounter with a stranger
who has taken ill. Her compassion is rewarded when her visitor brings her on as
an assistant, and later on as a partner, in his career and life. Brash Maxie
ruthlessly pursues her own quest for prominence by any means necessary, including
exploitation of her sexual charms. In time, she rises to dizzying heights of
power and acclaim, before a spectacular downfall.
Along the way, readers encounter examples of a unique breed
of characters that could be found only inside the Beltway. The unforgettable
Sharpie--political operative, schemer, and senator, will do anything for the spotlight.
His political fortunes begin when he stumbles upon a rival in a most compromising position. The vain,
vapid President risks all to fulfill his sexual appetites. The First Lady is
only one tiny step short of snapping.
Real-life Washington is full of characters whose exploits,
appetites, and utterances almost defy parody. But Rizvi has created a funny,
lively, imaginary Washington that will have readers shaking their heads and
snorting with recognition.
