The Goddess of Loneliness by John Straughn (Book Review #2054)

The Goddess of Loneliness by John Straughn is a profoundly creative and emotionally resonant work of speculative fiction that dares to explore the existential themes of introversion, isolation, identity, and the aching need for connection. Through a bold reimagining of the universe’s origins, Straughn delivers a story that’s equal parts philosophical allegory, dark satire, and heartfelt introspection.

Told through the eyes of Walter, one of 30 “dudes” who co-founded “The Ultimate Startup” before time and matter as we know it began, the novel explores the evolution of consciousness, companionship, and the soul-crushing reality of being misunderstood. Walter, deeply introverted and plagued by anxiety and depression, becomes a vessel for exploring the complex emotional terrain of loneliness in a world designed by extroverts, for extroverts—personified by God himself, the startup’s energetic CEO.

Straughn’s imaginative world-building is as cerebral as it is absurdly charming. Readers are transported to a realm where robot bodies are powered by charging sticks, Happy Hours involve awkward silences, and speed dating between robot dudes and dudettes becomes a critical social experiment. What might sound like parody is actually a sensitive portrait of mental health and belonging. The arrival of the dudettes—and Walter’s pairing with Dudette 7, the loneliest and most misunderstood of all—ushers in a subtle, moving commentary on empathy, shared pain, and the human (or robotic) desire to be truly seen.

Straughn’s prose is humorous, sharp, and surprisingly tender. The book echoes the stylings of Kurt Vonnegut and Douglas Adams while forging its own distinct, emotionally vulnerable voice. Underneath the dry wit lies a sincere longing to make sense of alienation in a world where even gods struggle to connect.

The Goddess of Loneliness is a deeply original meditation on the quiet, persistent ache of not belonging—and the small, profound moments where two lonely beings find solace in each other’s presence. It is a love story wrapped in existential sci-fi, and a must-read for anyone who has ever felt out of place in a noisy world.

Written by Jeyran Main

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