Fire in the Firefly

June 17, 2016

Fire in the Firefly. Scott Gardiner. 2016. 313 pages. TAP books. [Source: ARC provided courtesy of NetGalley.]

I have mixed feelings about this book. It’s a satire, which is generally a departure from what I read. So while I enjoyed the story itself, the approach missed the mark for me.

Julius Roebuck is a very self-assured man, and prides himself in his ability to read and understand women. The entire book follows him as he tries to balance his precarious relationships with the women in his life – his wife Anne, her ovulation-clocking business partner Yasmin, and his mistress, Lily. Insert a maybe-botched vasectomy and you’ve got the makings of an suspenseful story that reminds me more of slapstick humor than anything else.

I generally found the characters unlikable, but I don’t think that’s by chance. The author did a great job with his characterizations, perhaps to a fault. And Julius’ antics as he tries to juggle people and his own truth are entertaining in a “shaking your head” kind of way. I appreciated the peripheral stories even more than the main plot, especially Daniel Greenfield, his sidekick in marketing.

I think this is worth a read. It’s certainly intriguing. However, once you’re finished, it will likely be a “hate it or love it” sentiment that most will walk away with.

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