Straight Man
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998
391
Novel • Fiction
Pennsylvania • 1990s
1998
Adult
18+ years
Straight Man by Richard Russo is a comedic novel that follows William Henry Devereaux Jr., a frustrated and sardonic English professor, as he navigates academic politics, personal crises, and a midlife existential dilemma at a financially struggling college.
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Richard Russo's Straight Man is celebrated for its witty prose, relatable academic satire, and well-drawn characters, particularly the protagonist. The humor and astute observations of academic life stand out, though some critics point out occasional pacing issues and a meandering plot. Overall, it offers a humorous and poignant glimpse into university life.
Fans of witty academic satire and rich character development will relish Richard Russo's Straight Man. Comparable to Kingsley Amis's Lucky Jim and David Lodge's campus novels, this book appeals to readers who appreciate humor and the complexities of academic life, all wrapped in an engaging narrative.
31,741 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
391
Novel • Fiction
Pennsylvania • 1990s
1998
Adult
18+ years
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