A Comedy of Nobodies

A Comedy of Nobodies by Baron Ryan is a debut collection of short stories written in a wryly comedic style that will be both familiar and appealing to fans of Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David.

We meet Charlie, an Ivy Leaguer who, along with his millenial friends, tries to negotiate love and life, only to discover more questions than answers along the way. This is a darkly witty read that had me smiling along with many of the sharply observed absurdities of this thing we call life.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for an ARC.

Amusing and witty collection of short stories presenting a wry sideways look at 21st century life. A good, solid read.

The first thing I notice about the narrative in A Comedy of Nobodies, is that it is an observation, a person seeing their life from the outside in, like an internal monologue spoken out loud. Oho, says I, let's have a quick looksee so I can anchor the vibe of the writing style as I was having a little trouble connecting (no shade to the author, this is my reading method for a unique style I have not encountered, take it as a compliment). So I toddle over to TikTok, find Baron's account, watch a couple clips and go back to the book because that is what I am interested in

(However, let's just say, Baron is not your usual TikToker. Baron is what I would consider a professional filmmaker in a saturated medium so he really does stand out and props to him for doing so! Props to anyone who goes out there and creates something original and unique)

Now, checking out the TT gave an insight into the creative process without detracting from the content of the short stories which were witty, insightful and full of descriptive, philiosphical prose. So grab yourself a cuppa, sit back and relax as this is a wonderful read to savour

Thank you to Netgalley, Blackstone Publishing and Baron Ryan for this entertaining ARC. My review is left voluntarily and my opinions are my own

This is pretentious but in a self-aware kind of way, and the writing itself is really well done and reflective. It helps if you’ve seen the author’s beautiful short films (there’s no other way to describe them) on TikTok so you know what you’re getting into: his voice is the same in these stories.

I like Baron Ryan’s point of view and how he makes a point but in a mostly unstated, philosophical way, and I truly enjoyed this. I found it contemplative but still funny and fast-paced.

This is a novel told through a series of short stories chronicling Charlie’s adventures in college and in looking for love. There’s a pervasive air of melancholy that somehow still portrays hope.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing!

Blackstone Publishing provided an early galley for review.

Sometimes a book grabs my attention just by its cover. That is true with this one. I really like the design work done here by artist Alenka Vdovic Linaschke. It really drew me in.

Ryan presents nine short stories in this collection, with a reoccurring cast and an overarching narrative theme. It is very much episodic fiction - small digestive looks (ranging from ten to seventeen pages in length) in the life of Charlie and his social circle. It is something I find appealing as an alternative to doing a longer form novella or full-blown novel.

Ryan places his characters firmly into the world of Harvard and Cambridge, MA, with locations that actually exist. I am instantly drawn into this world of studies and students. It resonates with my own collegiate years (albeit nearly four decades apart). I also found that I could very much relate to Charlie, whom I am strongly convinced is a fictional avatar of the author himself.

All in all, I came away with a warm feeling after finishing the book and, in part, hoping that someday there might be more exploits of Charlie down the road. But, if there isn't, that would be okay too - for this collection definitely satiated a literary hunger. Thank you, Baron Ryan.

Enjoyable Collection! This is a good book that you can read in small spurts when you have breaks in your day. There are some parts that I connected to more than others. I can definitely see where it will not be for everyone. If you look for things that are just a bit different, then it may be for you.