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Exploring Rufi Thorpe’s Latest Novel: Margo’s Struggles and Growth
My first encounter with Rufi Thorpe’s work came through her compelling novel, The Knockout Queen, a poignant exploration of queer friendship and self-discovery. A year later, when her new novel Margo’s Got Money Troubles hit the shelves, I jumped straight into the audiobook, blissfully unaware of the plot ahead. This lack of preconceived notions likely enhanced my experience.
The story revolves around Margo, a single mother who finds herself on the brink of despair following job loss and her decision to abandon her studies. Struggling with financial hardships exacerbated by an impulsive contract she signed involving her son, Bodhi, Margo seeks a way to stabilize her life. Enter Jinx, her estranged father, a once-prominent wrestler returning to her life fresh from rehabilitation. He offers help as a babysitter, asking only for shelter in return.
Utilizing Jinx’s wrestling background, Margo crafts a quirky online persona. She starts to share entertaining videos on TikTok while simultaneously building content for her OnlyFans account. Her profile, named “HungryGhost,” becomes a platform where she humorously critiques her subscribers’ photos. As she navigates the challenges of motherhood and her newfound venture, Margo learns to embrace both self-forgiveness and kindness toward others.
This narrative compels both readers and Margo to reflect on her past decisions with compassion as she searches for connection and personal satisfaction. Interestingly, the name Bodhi, her son’s name, connects to Buddhist philosophy, symbolizing the final step toward enlightenment before one becomes a Buddha. Throughout her journey toward self-realization, Bodhi remains a steadfast companion, encouraging Margo to reflect on her values and life choices. Additionally, Margo’s online alias, HungryGhost, alludes to beings in Buddhist and Taoist traditions that roam the world in perpetual hunger, adding depth to her character’s struggles.
Margo’s Got Money Troubles oscillates between first-person and third-person narratives, creating a reflective and empathetic tone. The audiobook, narrated by Elle Fanning, injects warmth and humor into Margo’s sometimes naive endeavors, enhancing the story’s emotional resonance.
Excitingly, an adaptation of Margo’s Got Money Troubles is in the pipeline, being produced by Apple TV and A24, with Fanning reprising her role as Margo and Nick Offerman playing Jinx. Though the release date remains unconfirmed, filming is scheduled for the upcoming spring, leaving fans eager for the cinematic translation of this heartfelt story.
Source
bookriot.com