Who Would Like This Book:
If you love dark campus novels that dissect obsession, privilege, and the dangers lurking beneath the surface of collegiate ambition, "Loner" is right up your alley. Teddy Wayne's writing is razor-sharp, witty, and layered, making this a great pick for fans of psychological fiction and social commentary. Readers who appreciate character studies with an uncomfortable edge, and those interested in themes like toxic masculinity and the dark side of desire, will find this a compelling (if sometimes squirm-inducing) read.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you're looking for a lovable or even remotely redeemable protagonist, steer clear - David is unsettling, self-absorbed, and at times downright creepy. Some readers found the characters clichéd and the conclusion rushed, and the deeply disturbing subject matter can be triggering or unpleasant, particularly for anyone sensitive to issues of stalking or sexual assault. If you prefer novels with clear heroes, uplifting arcs, or straightforward storytelling, this one may not be for you.
About:
"Loner" by Teddy Wayne follows the story of David Federman, a socially inexperienced freshman at Harvard who becomes infatuated with a beautiful and wealthy female student named Veronica. As David's obsession with Veronica grows, his actions become increasingly creepy and disturbing, ultimately leading to a shocking climax. The novel delves into themes of obsession, social hierarchy, and the impact of one's actions on relationships, presented through a narrative that is described as dark, immersive, and uncomfortable.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of sexual assault, toxic masculinity, mental illness, and obsession, which may be triggering for some readers.
From The Publisher:
"Powerful." -Maureen Corrigan, NPR's Fresh Air
Named a best book of the year by NPR, Kirkus Reviews, and BookPage
David Federman has never felt appreciated. An academically gifted yet painfully forgettable member of his New Jersey high school class, the withdrawn, mild-mannered freshman arrives at Harvard fully expecting to be embraced by a new tribe of high-achieving peers. Initially, however, his social prospects seem unlikely to change, sentencing him to a lifetime of anonymity.
Then he meets Veronica Morgan Wells. Struck by her beauty, wit, and sophisticated Manhattan upbringing, David becomes instantly infatuated. Determined to win her attention and an invite into her glamorous world, he begins compromising his moral standards for this one, great shot at happiness. But both Veronica and David, it turns out, are not exactly as they seem.
Loner turns the traditional campus novel on its head as it explores ambition, class, and gender politics. It is a stunning and timely literary achievement from one of the rising stars of American fiction.
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What can you read after
Loner?
About the Author:
Teddy Wayne, the author of Loner, The Love Song of Jonny Valentine, and Kapitoil, is the winner of a Whiting Writers' Award and an NEA Fellowship as well as a finalist for the Young Lions Fiction Award, PEN/Bingham Prize, and Dayton Literary Peace Prize. He writes regularly for The New Yorker, The New York Times, Vanity Fair, McSweeney's, and elsewhere. He lives in New York.
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