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tiahnaparis's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I picked up a copy of Straight Man after seeing Stan advertise the at the time upcoming series Lucky Hank based on the novel. I love comparing adaptations, so despite reviews labelling it hit or miss, and the main character unlikeable, I pressed on. I’m glad I did because I instantly fell for Russo’s writing style and the resulting book was so charming, funny, and enrapturing, it reminded me of all the things I love about reading (and made me subsequently nervous about the TV adaptation living up to its predecessor!)
The wit was right up my alley and I'm not sure if it's a clash in senses of humor or cultural (shit stirring/ gentle ribbing is very common in Aussie cultures) but I did not agree at all with the reviews describing the main character as so unlikable it distracted from the rest of the book. TO each their own, though.
The wit was right up my alley and I'm not sure if it's a clash in senses of humor or cultural (shit stirring/ gentle ribbing is very common in Aussie cultures) but I did not agree at all with the reviews describing the main character as so unlikable it distracted from the rest of the book. TO each their own, though.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Infidelity, Excrement, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Injury/Injury detail, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Medical content, Adult/minor relationship, Forced institutionalization, Death of parent, Sexual content, and Alcohol
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