The Simp is the story of Raj, an actor who lands a job as an assistant to Jim and Anna H—, a high-powered Hollywood director and his young wife. The problem is that Raj’s entire persona is based on lies. He rarely shows his true self and forces the reader to grapple with questions related to representation, identity politics, and cancel culture. Raj is trying to make a name for himself in an industry that doesn’t have space for him. Anna is trying to write her screenplay and establish her talent. Jim is trying to hold on to his influence and refers to Raj as a simp, someone “who is too eager to please.” The real question is why is Raj so eager to please, and what does that say about power? Each character in this novel could be a study on identity and power as they all navigate tensions related to race, gender, sexuality, and social class.
I enjoyed Sethi’s clever, satirical style, and I highly recommend The Simp.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Shuster for the ARC.