Potterism

This insightful satire, Potterism, critiques the newspaper industry through the lives of the Potter family amidst the challenges of war and commercialism.

In Potterism, Rose Macaulay delves into the complex world of the Potter newspaper empire, exploring the tension between journalistic integrity and commercial viability during the tumultuous period of the First World War and the subsequent 1920s. The narrative centers on siblings Jane and Johnny Potter, who, despite their disdain for their father’s sensationalist publications while studying at Oxford, find themselves inevitably drawn into the family business. Their journey reflects the broader struggles faced by journalists of the time, caught between the demands of truth and the allure of profit.

Jane's ambition drives her to seek opportunities beyond the constraints society imposes on her, while her mother, a successful romantic novelist, becomes increasingly detached from reality. Mrs. Potter's inability to separate fact from fiction leads her to disastrous decisions, particularly when she seeks the truth about her son-in-law's murder through dubious means. This subplot underscores the chaotic intersection of personal and professional lives within the newspaper industry, further complicating the already fraught relationships among the characters.

Arthur Gideon, an editor working under Mr. Potter, embodies the internal conflict many journalists face. While he respects his employer's commitment to honesty, he grapples with the populist nature of the newspapers he produces. His fierce advocacy against anti-Semitism and his passionate spirit put him at odds with the prevailing attitudes of the time, making him a target of hostility. Potterism thus serves as a poignant satire on the challenges of journalism and the ethical dilemmas that arise in the pursuit of truth amidst a rapidly changing media landscape.