# Straight Man

By Richard Russo

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/straight-man-6d242098/

Hank Devereaux chairs an English department that lacks money and has plenty of grudges. Over one bad week at his Pennsylvania college, he has to contend with his colleagues, doubts about his marriage and a body that won't cooperate. His habit of provoking people makes an already difficult job harder.

## What makes it funny?

A departmental budget dispute reaches local television with Hank threatening a goose. Russo has said the idea came from a real dean's exasperated remark about killing ducks until funding arrived: he made the complaint literal. Readers in book groups also name Straight Man in discussions of their funniest books.

### The comedy at work

Hank jokes about the job, his stalled writing career and his own shortcomings rather than facing what hurts. Faculty rivalries supply plenty of targets, but his physical indignities keep him from occupying a position of dignity himself.

### Try this if…

Campus politics provide the setting, while disappointment in middle age gives the satire its weight. It suits readers who want academic infighting and a troublesome wise guy with family attachments that matter to him.

### Good to know

Marital suspicion, an unfaithful father and urinary trouble are part of Hank's bad week. The comedy includes a threat against a goose. This is the novel adapted for television as Lucky Hank.

## What to expect

- Genre: Contemporary & literary
- On the shelf: Campus novel
- Kind of humor: Satire · Situational comedy
- The atmosphere: Warmhearted
- Format: Novel

## A few distinguishing details

- A campus funding dispute involving a goose
- Faculty grudges and physical indignities in one bad week

## Sources & further reading

- Publisher: [Publisher](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/159157/straight-man-by-richard-russo/9780375701900)
- Review: [Publishers Weekly review](https://www.publishersweekly.com/9780679432463)
- Author commentary: [Author interview in Willow Springs](https://inside.ewu.edu/willowspringsmagazine/issue-68-a-conversation-with-richard-russo)
- Reader discussion: [Reader discussion](https://facebook.com/groups/bookrecommendations/permalink/6113408762067219)