Envy in the Era of Social Media: "Other People's Fun" Review
In Harriet Lane's darkly comedic novel "Other People's Fun", envy has become a commodity that can be easily exploited and commodified, thanks to social media. The story revolves around Ruth, a middle-aged woman who feels overlooked and invisible after her marriage ends and her daughter leaves home. When she reconnects with her former classmate Sookie at a school reunion, she is reminded of her own teenage insecurities and humiliation.
Ruth's life is marked by a sense of desperation and resentment towards the more fortunate individuals around her. She can't help but feel envious of their seemingly perfect lives, which they share on social media, making her feel like an outsider looking in. Lane masterfully captures this sentiment, creating a queasy portrait of stalking and manipulation that is both uncomfortable to read about and fascinating.
Through Ruth's eyes, the author highlights the toxic effects of social media on our perception of reality. Sookie, with her entitled attitude and constant need for validation, represents the perfect example of someone who has lost touch with humanity. Their encounter sparks a chain of events that showcases Lane's skill in crafting a story that is both painful to witness and impossible to look away from.
Lane's writing style is reminiscent of Patricia Highsmith and Zoë Heller, authors known for their psychological thrillers that explore the darker aspects of human relationships. In "Other People's Fun", she adds layers of rage at being poor, powerless, and almost invisible to those who have it all. The novel is a commentary on the world we live in today, where the gap between the haves and have-nots has become increasingly polarized and toxic.
The best part about this book is its unapologetic portrayal of cruelty and revenge, which is both satisfying to read and thought-provoking. As Ruth's story unfolds, it becomes clear that she is not a morally superior character, but one who has been driven to desperation by the circumstances of her life. In the end, Lane delivers a scathing critique of our society's obsession with social media and its impact on our relationships and ourselves.
In short, "Other People's Fun" is a darkly comedic novel that will make you laugh and cringe in equal measure. It's a must-read for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider looking in, or struggled to make ends meet in a world that seems designed to keep people down.
In Harriet Lane's darkly comedic novel "Other People's Fun", envy has become a commodity that can be easily exploited and commodified, thanks to social media. The story revolves around Ruth, a middle-aged woman who feels overlooked and invisible after her marriage ends and her daughter leaves home. When she reconnects with her former classmate Sookie at a school reunion, she is reminded of her own teenage insecurities and humiliation.
Ruth's life is marked by a sense of desperation and resentment towards the more fortunate individuals around her. She can't help but feel envious of their seemingly perfect lives, which they share on social media, making her feel like an outsider looking in. Lane masterfully captures this sentiment, creating a queasy portrait of stalking and manipulation that is both uncomfortable to read about and fascinating.
Through Ruth's eyes, the author highlights the toxic effects of social media on our perception of reality. Sookie, with her entitled attitude and constant need for validation, represents the perfect example of someone who has lost touch with humanity. Their encounter sparks a chain of events that showcases Lane's skill in crafting a story that is both painful to witness and impossible to look away from.
Lane's writing style is reminiscent of Patricia Highsmith and Zoë Heller, authors known for their psychological thrillers that explore the darker aspects of human relationships. In "Other People's Fun", she adds layers of rage at being poor, powerless, and almost invisible to those who have it all. The novel is a commentary on the world we live in today, where the gap between the haves and have-nots has become increasingly polarized and toxic.
The best part about this book is its unapologetic portrayal of cruelty and revenge, which is both satisfying to read and thought-provoking. As Ruth's story unfolds, it becomes clear that she is not a morally superior character, but one who has been driven to desperation by the circumstances of her life. In the end, Lane delivers a scathing critique of our society's obsession with social media and its impact on our relationships and ourselves.
In short, "Other People's Fun" is a darkly comedic novel that will make you laugh and cringe in equal measure. It's a must-read for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider looking in, or struggled to make ends meet in a world that seems designed to keep people down.