Very tangential. A book review in which a comparison to Pynchon is made. "Nother one.

[Mark Kohut]

As satire, Lucy Ives’ "Loudermilk" and its focus on the world of creative
writing programs and higher education could’ve been a one-note take on
low-hanging fruit, the kind of comedy that’s a bit too focused on the
literary world to be engaging. But beyond simple winks and nudges, Ives has
created a wholly American comedic gem, one that harkens back to the work of
authors like Charles Portis or Thomas Pynchon. Every page is filled with
clever gags and turns of phrase, but perhaps what’s most impressive is the
world-building Ives undertakes, creating an entire oeuvre for her
characters. Set in 2003 and centered around a Troy Loudermilk — a beefy
conman who strongarms his depressed roommate into writing poetry for him so
they can reap the benefits of a college scholarship — this is a hilarious
post-Millennium, pre-Millennial foray into America at the cusp of decline.