Introduction
Rejection by Tony Tulathimutte is a daring and hilarious exploration of the chaos rejection breeds in the modern world. Longlisted for the 2024 National Book Award, this novel-in-stories follows a group of intricately connected characters whose personal crises unfold in the realms of sex, identity, relationships, and the internet. With sharp wit and an unflinching eye for the absurd, Tulathimutte takes readers through the spirals of unrequited love, identity struggles, and the painful truths of the digital age. From a young man’s self-destructive nihilism to a woman’s obsessive heartbreak, Rejection captures the emotional unraveling of a generation in a bold, unforgettable mosaic.
Rejection Synopsis
Sharply observant and outrageously funny, Rejection is a provocative plunge into the touchiest problems of modern life. The seven connected stories seamlessly transition between the personal crises of a complex ensemble and the comic tragedies of sex, relationships, identity, and the internet.
In “The Feminist,” a young man’s passionate allyship turns to furious nihilism as he realizes, over thirty lonely years, that it isn’t getting him laid. A young woman’s unrequited crush in “Pics” spirals into borderline obsession and the systematic destruction of her sense of self. And in “Ahegao; or, The Ballad of Sexual Repression,” a shy late bloomer’s flailing efforts at a first relationship leads to a life-upending mistake. As the characters pop up in each other’s dating apps and social media feeds, or meet in dimly lit bars and bedrooms, they reveal the ways our delusions can warp our desire for connection.
These brilliant satires explore the underrated sorrows of rejection with the authority of a modern classic and the manic intensity of a manifesto. Audacious and unforgettable, Rejection is a stunning mosaic that redefines what it means to be rejected by lovers, friends, society, and oneself.
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More About the Novel
| Author: | Tony Tulathimutte |
| Publisher: | William Morrow |
| Genre: | Fiction |
| Mode: | Complete |
Themes Explored In The Novel
Rejection by Tony Tulathimutte explores several themes that delve into the complexities of modern relationships, identity, and societal pressures. These include:
- Rejection and Self-Worth: A core theme of the novel is how rejection affects personal identity and relationships. The characters navigate their feelings of inadequacy and emotional pain when their desires for connection are not reciprocated. This is explored through various forms, from romantic rejection to social exclusion, emphasizing the psychological toll it takes.
- The Internet and Social Media: The impact of digital life is central to the book, where characters are constantly connected yet isolated. Social media and dating apps serve as a platform for rejection and miscommunication, highlighting the emptiness often underlying online interactions.
- Nihilism and Disillusionment: The novel also tackles the despair that comes from a sense of futility. Characters, like the one in The Feminist, grapple with the futility of their efforts to belong, especially when their beliefs do not lead to tangible rewards like intimacy or connection.
- Sexuality and Identity: The struggles of young adults dealing with unfulfilled desires, especially around sex and intimacy, feature prominently. Characters are shown navigating their sexual awakening, facing humiliation or failure, and experiencing personal growth, often in painful and comedic ways.
- Satire of Modern Life: Tulathimutte uses dark humor and satire to examine the millennial experience, particularly the unrealistic expectations of success, love, and fulfillment in an increasingly digital world. This theme is presented through the absurd and tragic situations that the characters face.
These themes combine to create a provocative, often humorous critique of modern relationships and identity in a world increasingly defined by technology and superficial connections.
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