A review by nuhafariha
Five-Star Stranger by Kat Tang

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I thoroughly enjoyed this deeply psychological novel exploring modern love, loneliness and community. After the death of his mother, an unnamed protagonist decides to try an unnusual career - a Rental Stranger who can be hired for different positions, anything from a missing father, a grieving widow, and a drunken brother. By introducing the concept of the Other as kin, Tang asks to consider the isolation and loss of social bonds in today's harried world. I wish there was more time to think through the ending - I was confused by the sudden trip to LA and sex scene.