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Romantic Comedy

Curtis Sittenfeld

353 Pages
2023

Romantic Comedy

Random House

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Romantic Comedy - Summary

In this clever and contemporary novel, Curtis Sittenfeld explores the world of late-night television through the eyes of Sally Milz, a sharp-witted sketch comedy writer. When Sally observes how her average-looking male colleague lands a gorgeous actress girlfriend, she creates a satirical sketch about this social phenomenon. Her cynical worldview is challenged when she meets Noah Brewster, a charismatic pop star hosting their show, leading to an unexpected connection that makes her question everything she thought she knew about love and attraction in modern society.

Key Themes

1

The Double Standards of Modern Romance

A masterful exploration of society's acceptance of average-looking men dating beautiful women, while the reverse rarely occurs. Through Sally's perspective, we see how these ingrained prejudices affect personal relationships and self-worth, particularly in the entertainment industry.

2

Authenticity vs. Public Perception

The novel delves deep into the contrast between public personas and private realities, especially in the entertainment world. Through Sally and Noah's developing relationship, we see how genuine connections can transcend superficial judgments and media narratives.

3

Creative Expression as Self-Discovery

Sally's journey as a comedy writer becomes a vehicle for personal growth and self-understanding. Her sketches and professional work intertwine with her personal life, showing how artistic expression can help process and challenge societal norms.

FAQ's

While the story is fictional, Sittenfeld's detailed research provides an authentic glimpse into the high-pressure, creative environment of late-night television, making it feel remarkably genuine.

Yes, the novel deliberately subverts typical romantic comedy conventions while simultaneously paying homage to the genre, creating a meta-commentary on modern relationships and entertainment.

The book skillfully balances both elements, using Sally's professional life and romantic journey to explore larger themes about gender, success, and personal fulfillment in contemporary society.

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