Discovering Margo’s World: A Dive into Rufi Thorpe’s Margo’s Got Money Troubles
As a book blogger, I’m always on the lookout for stories that delve into the complexity of human relationships and the messiness of real life. Rufi Thorpe’s Margo’s Got Money Troubles caught my eye because I’ve previously marveled at her authentic portrayals of diverse characters and their intricacies. Having read three of her novels, I knew I was in for a wild ride filled with sharp observations, layered characters, and a narrative that challenges societal norms.
At the heart of this novel is Margo, a college student navigating the stormy seas of unexpected motherhood after a brief affair with a married professor. Margo’s decision to keep her baby is laden with repercussions she never anticipated. Rather than the nurturing and supportive reactions she idealistically imagined, she finds herself enveloped by judgment and shame. Thorpe captures this struggle so poignantly: “She seemed to walk everywhere in a cloud of shame.” It’s a stark reminder of the double standards that women face—condemned regardless of their choice, which is a theme that resonated deeply with me.
Margo comes from a family steeped in eccentricity; her mother had a one-night stand with a pro wrestler, and Margo has always seen more of her father on screen than in person. This backdrop adds layers of complexity to her character, making her smart, caring, and yet incredibly vulnerable. Thorpe masterfully explores Margo’s dynamics with her father, who unwittingly plants the idea of starting an OnlyFans page to make ends meet. Here, the narrative takes a humorous yet thought-provoking turn, poking fun at societal norms while addressing the serious undertones of self-image and morality.
The writing itself is a testament to Thorpe’s skill—sharp, propulsive, and laced with razor-sharp dialogue. It feels so real that you can almost hear Margo grappling with her decisions, wondering, “What if, inside, Margo was secretly rotten?” The shifts between third-person and first-person perspectives keep readers on their toes, illustrating the narrative irony that often mirrors the unpredictability of life itself.
One of the standout quotes for me was: “People are all so lonely. Even when they do horrible things, it often comes down to that.” This reflection highlights the humanity behind Margo’s struggles and offers a glimmer of understanding for her circumstances. Thorpe dives deep into the loneliness that accompanies difficult choices, revealing a nuanced perspective that feels both refreshing and sobering.
While I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, I must confess it didn’t quite reach the emotional heights of Thorpe’s previous work, The Knockout Queen, nor did it have the profound impact of Miranda July’s All Fours, which I read just before. Nonetheless, Margo’s journey is both engaging and enlightening, and it showcases Thorpe’s ability to capture the complexity of modern womanhood with humor and truth.
If you’re drawn to stories that explore the intersections of choice, societal judgment, and the quest for self-identity, Margo’s Got Money Troubles is a must-read. Rufi Thorpe has an incredible knack for making her characters feel intensely real, and this latest venture won’t disappoint. It left me pondering human connections long after I turned the last page, ensuring that I’ll keep Thorpe’s works at the top of my reading list.
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