Romantic Comedy

image via NPR

I am admittedly romcom obsessed, but when I saw that Curtis Sittenfeld's new novel is literally called Romantic Comedy, I was skeptical. It seemed too good to be true that the book would actually be as enjoyable as a classic romcom movie (or book). Then again, I always love Sittenfeld's writing. Ever since she penned Prep she's been churning out hits. Then I saw a ringing endorsement by author Maria Semple, of Where'd You Go Bernadette? fame, and I went for it.

I had such joy reading Romantic Comedy, devouring the novel on my flights to and from Chicago for a girls weekend. Sittenfeld's writing really is top notch, and this book did not disappoint. In fact, it reminded me of my recent favorite novel, Nora Goes Off Script.

Romantic Comedy centers on protagonist Sally, who works as a writer at a sketch show (think SNL). She falls for an improbable romantic partner, a pop star. The book is somehow both a feminist manifesto and a delicious love story. It's also the first novel I've read that takes place in 2020 and touches on Covid. Despite the buzzkill Covid backdrop, somehow it works. Take my word for it (and Semple’s too).  

AES