Margo's Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe on June 11, 2024
Genres: Fiction / City Life, Fiction / Coming of Age, Fiction / Family Life / General, Fiction / Humorous / Black Humor, Fiction / Humorous / General, Fiction / Literary, Fiction / Women
Pages: 304
Format: Hardcover
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Rufi Thorpe’s Margo’s Got Money Troubles is a sharp, witty, and downright hilarious exploration of the tumultuous journey of modern adulthood. At its heart is Margo, a character who feels incredibly real, teetering on the precipice of financial ruin while trying to juggle the complexities of new motherhood, a dwindling bank account, and the often absurd expectations of living in an increasingly digital world.
From the very first page, Thorpe’s humor shines through. Margo is instantly relatable—her dry, self-deprecating wit serving as a perfect counterbalance to the chaos swirling around her. Whether she’s navigating the treacherous waters of online banking (always a disaster waiting to happen) or attempting to decipher the cryptic messages of mom groups on social media, Margo’s voice is one of the book’s strongest assets. Thorpe captures the absurdity of modern life with an acute sense of humor that will have readers laughing out loud, even as they cringe in sympathy.
Margo’s financial woes are central to the narrative, and Thorpe doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable realities of money problems. Yet, even in the darkest moments, there’s a lightness to Thorpe’s writing that keeps the story buoyant. Margo’s struggles are all too familiar to anyone who’s ever had to make a decision between paying a bill and buying groceries, but they’re presented with such humor that it’s impossible not to root for her. The book is a masterclass in balancing comedy with real, pressing issues without diminishing the seriousness of Margo’s situation.
Navigating adulthood is hard enough, but Thorpe throws in the added complication of new motherhood to up the ante. Margo’s attempts to be a “good mom” while dealing with sleep deprivation, a lack of money, and the pressure to maintain a picture-perfect life online are both funny and poignant. Thorpe captures the anxiety and exhaustion that comes with new parenthood, but she does so with a light touch, ensuring that the narrative never becomes overwhelming.
In an age where our lives are increasingly lived online, Margo’s struggles with social media and the constant barrage of information (and misinformation) feel especially timely. Thorpe deftly explores how the internet both connects and isolates us, all while poking fun at the absurdity of it all. Margo’s interactions with the online world are some of the funniest moments in the book, from the ridiculousness of influencer culture to the pitfalls of online shopping when your budget is already stretched thin.
Rufi Thorpe’s “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” is a delightfully funny and brutally honest take on the challenges of modern adulthood. Margo is a heroine for our times—flawed, funny, and endlessly resilient. Thorpe’s sharp wit and keen observations make this a must-read for anyone who’s ever felt overwhelmed by life’s demands. Despite the struggles she faces, Margo’s story is ultimately one of hope and perseverance, reminding us that even in the darkest times, it’s okay to laugh at the absurdity of it all.