Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser Akner is a gripping and complex novel that explores the themes of marriage, divorce, gender roles, and societal expectations. Brodesser-Akner’s writing is sharp and insightful, and her characters are flawed and human, making the story relatable and emotionally impactful.
Fleishman is in trouble by Taffy Brodesser Akner book review
The plot of the book centres on Toby Fleishman, a 41-year-old hepatologist who is divorcing his wife Rachel in a difficult manner. Toby balances his job, caring for his two kids, and navigating New York City’s dating scene. His life appears to be spinning out of control, and he feels overburdened and worn out.
Switching between Toby’s story and Rachel’s story, Brodesser-Akner expertly combines various points of view. We witness Rachel’s troubles with her identity and work as well as her annoyance with Toby’s disinterest in their union. We also get a peek into the lives of some of the other characters, such as Toby’s best friend Libby, who is struggling with her own marital issues.
Fleishman is in trouble by Taffy Brodesser Akner book review
The way Brodesser-Akner challenges conventional expectations for marriage and relationships as well as established gender roles is what makes Fleishman Is in Trouble so appealing. She exposes how women are frequently expected to have impossibly high standards of purity and altruism by delving into the nuances and inconsistencies of contemporary feminism.
The book also makes fun of society’s fixation on technology and social media. Brodesser-Akner demonstrates how these platforms might amplify our fears, vulnerabilities, and propensities for narcissism and self-indulgence.
Fleishman is in trouble by Taffy Brodesser Akner book review conclusion
Overall, Fleishman Is in Trouble is a fantastic book that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The novel feels genuine and relevant because of Brodesser-sharp Akner’s writing and truly human characters. Everyone who appreciates literary fiction and is curious about the difficulties of contemporary relationships and societal standards should read this.
