The Simp

A Novel Without a Hero

De: Roshan Sethi

Narrado por: Vidish Athavale

A razor-sharp novel about the rise and fall of an unemployed actor who lands the greatest role of his life when he’s hired as a personal assistant to an absurd Hollywood family.

"An exceedingly smart and funny novel." —Sam Lipsyte, The New York Times Book Review

Raj Ladlani is a morose and unemployable actor. He has reasons to believe he is spectacularly talented, a legend in every way but for the success. He leads an anonymous life in LA, working part time at a frozen yogurt store, fantasizing about stardom and clinging to the encouragement of his aging and kindly acting coach.

At his life's nadir, Raj reads a job posting detailing a relentless, laughable parade of menial responsibilities for an organization blandly described as “Hollywood Family.”

The Simp tells the story of Raj’s momentous employment with the H Family and the destruction that follows. Jim H is a massive and macho director in a creative rut. Anna H might uncharitably be described as his much younger trophy wife, quietly and neurotically seeking out her own independent sense of purpose as a screenwriter. Raj’s work as their executive assistant becomes his new sense of soaring purpose. But he procured the job through a sea of lies.

The job itself is an absurdist walk through a landmine of affluent domestic chaos, identity politics, and petty Angeleno grievances. And things only get weirder when it turns out Anna H has been working on a secret project of her own—one that will change everything for Raj.

Engaging and beautifully written and performed

Loved this narrator whose voices for the various Caucasian characters was so spot on. It reminded me of Eddie Murphy’s portrayal of white people on SNL. The story was great and although the main character was described as an anti hero I loved him.

Riveting!

Riveting tight story, narration is stunning performance of many identities. Best listen of recent memory.

A great book.

The performance was amazing. One of the best books I’ve listened to or read in a long time It’s a really great story — a true page turner. A funny extremely wise satire that is also full of real feeling. Sharply observed, I inhaled it very quickly!