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fbroom's review
5.0
Paul is a divorced father. He is liberal but grim about everything that is going on in the world. Trump, people getting addicted to devices etc. He still uses a flip phone and refuses to be like everyone else. He is a senior lecturer at some college in New York. His daughter is 11 and has been changing and wanting more independent time or time with friends. The mom is remarried and is a typical liberal rich Brooklyn mom. Paul has also friends who he considers of that rich liberal Brooklyn type as well. The college too doesn't renew his contract and instead only offers a minimal contract where he won't even get medical insurance. This is when things start going bad. He moves in with his mom in Riverdale and he goes from seeing Mabel every weekend initially to shorter periods of time over the course of the book. This book deals with Paul's journey into navigating all of this. I definitely didn't know what'll happen and was surprised by the ending.
carolineconnect's review
challenging
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
mouhy's review
4.0
As I sit here to type this review I can't help but be reminded of Paul's RealNews comments, aren't we all just chasing clout online after all even if we don't care to admit it? I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel despite what I thought felt like a rushed messy ending. No other contemporary author knows how to write envy/jealousy quite like Teddy. As in his other two novels that I've read, Apartment and Loner, he takes immense pleasure in humiliating his male protagonist that you just sit there as you turn page after page and wonder how wrong could it go for them? (spoiler: very wrong). Despite that, and immensely enjoyable as it was to read, I feel like this one is one of his weaker outings. I feel this story would've been better served with a less dramatic/action-packed ending.
dirtydima's review
3.0
"Teddy Wayne's 'The Great Man Theory' is a riveting exploration of contemporary society, deftly interwoven with insightful commentary on technology and the Trump era. Wayne's narrative artistry is evident, endowing characters with depth and resonance.
His penchant for Hollywood-style endings, as seen in both 'Loner' and 'The Great Man Theory,' may not universally satisfy. In 'Loner,' leaving the protagonist in obscurity could have added a layer of intrigue. Similarly, a more subdued resolution for Paul in 'The Great Man Theory' might have imparted a more poignant resonance.
In 'Loner,' the possibility of the main character remaining an enigmatic figure among us could have heightened the sense of discomfort and intrigue. Likewise, in 'The Great Man Theory,' Paul's fate might have carried more emotional weight with a less over-the-top conclusion.
In spite of this, Wayne's skill in delving into pressing societal matters and captivating readers remains indisputable. For those seeking a thought-provoking glimpse into our world today, this book proves a rewarding read
His penchant for Hollywood-style endings, as seen in both 'Loner' and 'The Great Man Theory,' may not universally satisfy. In 'Loner,' leaving the protagonist in obscurity could have added a layer of intrigue. Similarly, a more subdued resolution for Paul in 'The Great Man Theory' might have imparted a more poignant resonance.
In 'Loner,' the possibility of the main character remaining an enigmatic figure among us could have heightened the sense of discomfort and intrigue. Likewise, in 'The Great Man Theory,' Paul's fate might have carried more emotional weight with a less over-the-top conclusion.
In spite of this, Wayne's skill in delving into pressing societal matters and captivating readers remains indisputable. For those seeking a thought-provoking glimpse into our world today, this book proves a rewarding read
jbogerhawkins's review
I think the point of this book is supposed to be that the main character is a pretentious douche, but reading it was so painful I had to stop