INKLINGS by Geoffrey Wolff
Random House; 190 pages; $7.95
In writing a novel about a book reviewer who wants to write a novel, Author Geoffrey Wolff, 40, has certainly staked out the turf he knows best. In addition to two earlier novels and a literary biography, Wolff has reviewed books for a raft of publications, including the Washington Post, Newsweek and New Times. What he does not know about the various satrapies of New York publishing is not worth hearing. So, unfortunately, is some of what he does know.
Inklings has its share of moments. His protagonist, Jupe, 45, is a nice mixture of...