Rufi Thorpe has solidified her reputation as a writer capable of portraying diverse characters with remarkable authenticity. From young gay men to lonely teen girls, Thorpe’s novels delve into the complexities of human nature across various demographics. In her latest work, we are introduced to Margo, a college student whose unplanned pregnancy with a married professor sets her on an unexpected path, one heavily influenced by Margo’s got money troubles. Thorpe masterfully crafts characters, and Margo is no exception; she is intelligent and compassionate, navigating the challenges of young adulthood and motherhood simultaneously. However, Margo quickly discovers that choosing to keep her baby doesn’t elicit the supportive responses she anticipated; instead, she faces societal judgment and financial strain.
The societal disapproval Margo experiences is palpable, as Thorpe writes, “She’d thought, somehow, that keeping the baby would make people regard her with more kindness. But women frowned at her and Bodhi in the grocery store. The eyes of men skittered over her like she was invisible. She seemed to walk everywhere in a cloud of shame.” This excerpt poignantly captures the isolation and judgment faced by young mothers, highlighting the stark reality that societal expectations often clash with personal choices. Margo’s got money troubles become increasingly evident as she grapples with the financial implications of raising a child while facing social stigma and limited support systems. The societal pressures and lack of financial resources create a compelling backdrop for Margo’s subsequent decisions.
In a surprising turn of events, and perhaps born out of sheer necessity due to Margo’s got money troubles, Margo considers an unconventional solution to her financial woes: an OnlyFans page. It’s her own father who suggests this path, showcasing an unexpected dynamic within her family. This foray into the world of online content creation provides both humorous and risqué moments as Margo navigates this new landscape. Thorpe doesn’t shy away from exploring the complexities of this choice, delving into the nuances of online personas and the blurring lines of modern morality. While the initial premise might seem lighthearted, the novel delves into serious themes as Margo juggles her online work with her evolving relationships, particularly with her father, now her roommate, and her mother and stepfather. The narrative probes deeper questions about self-perception and moral boundaries, as Margo herself questions, “What if, inside, Margo was secretly rotten? What if the reason doing the OnlyFans didn’t feel wrong to her wasn’t because it wasn’t actually wrong, but because she was so vile she could no longer detect all that was wrong with it?” This internal conflict adds depth to Margo’s character, revealing her vulnerability and self-awareness amidst her unconventional choices to address Margo’s got money troubles.
Thorpe’s narrative approach in this novel is also noteworthy. While primarily told in the third person, the occasional shifts to first-person perspective serve a purpose beyond mere stylistic experimentation. As the narrator directly states, “Part of this game is that you are going to realize certain things before I do. This is called ‘narrative irony.’” This technique engages the reader, prompting reflection on the narrative itself and the nature of storytelling. It subtly underscores the idea that understanding characters and their motivations requires looking beyond surface judgments, much like understanding the underlying reasons behind Margo’s got money troubles and her subsequent choices.
While The Knockout Queen remains a standout in Thorpe’s bibliography for some, this novel, despite not reaching the same singular heights, is still a worthwhile read, especially for those interested in stories about contemporary women navigating complex life choices and financial hurdles. Although the reviewer found Miranda July’s All Fours to be a more impactful read immediately prior, this doesn’t diminish the value of Thorpe’s exploration of Margo’s journey. The novel ultimately leaves the reader contemplating the pervasive loneliness of the human condition and the often-misunderstood motivations behind people’s actions, echoing the sentiment: “People are all so lonely. Even when they do horrible things, it often comes down to that, if only you take the time to understand them.” In conclusion, Rufi Thorpe’s novel offers a compelling and often humorous exploration of a young woman’s journey as she confronts societal expectations and seeks unconventional solutions to Margo’s got money troubles, making it a relevant and thought-provoking read for contemporary audiences.
