Brooke Orr's new job sparks debate on philanthropy's real impact
- Brooke Orr believes her job at a New York philanthropic foundation is a great opportunity.
- The novel examines how money and power influence decisions within philanthropic organizations.
- Alam’s work critiques establishment philanthropy, questioning its ethical implications.
In a recent fictional narrative, Rumaan Alam presents the life of Brooke Orr, who takes on a new role as a program officer at a philanthropic foundation in New York. The foundation, known as the Asher and Carol Jaffee Foundation, embodies a liberal ethos, but the story delves deeper into the underlying themes of power, money, and morality as experienced by its characters. The novel explores how professionals navigate the complexities of philanthropy, particularly addressing the perceptions and misperceptions that arise in their roles. As these individuals truly intend to do good, they frequently struggle against the systemic corruption and the overarching monoculture within the establishment philanthropy field, which skews predominantly progressive. Alam encapsulates the challenges faced by program officers in what is often a hurriedly formed context of