Set in Arizona post-2016 US election, retirees David and Ellie (both Hillary voters) are among the many dismayed to see the orange baby elected president. But things get worse: someone’s pooping in their outdoor hot tub every day! Who’s the culprit and why are they doing it?
Shitshow is a fairly amusing short story by Richard Russo. The central mystery is entertaining and it’s interesting to see the various things in David’s life go from bad to worse. His marriage breaks down, his daughter’s marriage goes in the crapper too, his friendships deteriorate. And, as you’d expect from a Pulitzer Prize winner, the prose is very clear, precise and elegant in a subtle way.
The metaphor though is really obvious and some of the stuff that happens, particularly toward the end, felt melodramatic and silly. I’m not sure if there’s a larger point here but it just seems like Russo is one of who-knows-how-many loudly informing anyone that they’re anti-Trump to no real effect.
It’s not the most gripping or memorable story but if you’re a Russo fan it’s worth a read and it’s never that boring - definitely not a shitshow in itself!
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