On the HahaFiction shelf
Straight Man
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.
From the publisher’s blurb
“Straight Man follows Hank Devereaux through one very bad week”Read the full description at Vintage
Paid link · We earn commissions from qualifying Amazon purchases. Affiliate disclosure
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.
A few distinguishing details
- A campus funding dispute involving a goose
- Faculty grudges and physical indignities in one bad week
More funny campus novel
Sources & further reading
- Publisher
Publisher
- Publishers Weekly review
Review
- Author interview in Willow Springs
Author commentary
- Reader discussion
Reader discussion
Something we should correct? Let us know.