Review of CARELESS PEOPLE
by Johny McFliggen, PhD Literature & Business, Oxford
In the ever-expanding universe of non-fiction, "Careless People" by Sarah Wynn-Williams emerges as a curious addition, ostensibly penned by a former Facebook executive. The book promises an insider's account of the labyrinthine policies and leadership at the social media behemoth. In that respect, it achieves what it sets out to do, albeit with some caveats.
Wynn-Williams takes us through the corridors of power at Facebook with an eye for detail that rivals Aaron Sorkin’s script in "The Social Network." Yet, unlike Sorkin's dramatized dialogue, her prose occasionally meanders into the banal territories typically reserved for corporate memos. There is something undeniably fascinating about her attempt to unveil the machinations behind Zuckerberg's empire, akin to peeling back layers of an onion only to find more layers.
Her narrative is peppered with anecdotes that serve as both revelation and indictment—an exposé that perhaps unwittingly reveals the dissonance between the public persona and the private reality of tech leadership. However, one cannot help but feel a certain sense of déjà vu, reminiscent of Sheryl Sandberg’s "Lean In," yet without the empowering undercurrent. Wynn-Williams opts for a more detached, almost surgical analysis, which might leave readers yearning for a touch more soul.
The comparisons to other works in the field are inevitable. In juxtaposition to Brad Stone’s "The Everything Store," which chronicles Amazon’s rise with a near-breathless urgency, "Careless People" feels like it is written in a more measured cadence, perhaps a reflection of its subject matter's omnipresent and somewhat ubiquitous nature. It lacks the urgency of a company still clawing its way to the top; instead, it presents Facebook as a giant whose every move is scrutinized under the microscope of regulatory and public opinion.
Wynn-Williams does not shy away from discussing the ethical quandaries faced by those at the helm of social media companies. Her perspective is invaluable for anyone attempting to understand the conundrum of balancing innovation with responsibility—a theme echoed in recent tech sagas such as Walter Isaacson’s biography on Elon Musk.
In essence, "Careless People" is an intelligent, if occasionally ponderous, addition to the canon of Silicon Valley literature. It offers insights into the personal and professional dilemmas faced by those who shape our digital landscape. However, its detachment may prove a double-edged sword, providing clarity at the expense of engagement. For those interested in the inner workings of Facebook from someone who lived through its evolution, Wynn-Williams provides a thoughtful if somewhat restrained account. For others, looking for a more visceral narrative might find themselves reaching for another tome on their bookshelf.
Purchase Link: CARELESS PEOPLE on Amazon
