Rufi Thorpe’s Margo’s Got Money Troubles is one of those rare novels that manages to be wildly funny, deeply insightful, and painfully relatable all at once. With its unconventional mix of wrestling wisdom, OnlyFans hustle, and the raw realities of young motherhood, it delivers a reading experience that is as original as it is entertaining.
The Story
Margo Millet has always known she’d have to fend for herself. The daughter of a Hooters waitress and an ex-pro wrestler, she’s twenty years old when life takes a sharp turn. After a brief affair with her English professor, she ends up pregnant and chooses to raise the baby alone. Struggling to stay afloat with no job and an eviction notice looming, Margo agrees to let her estranged father Jinx move in, trading him a place to stay for help with childcare.
But survival requires creativity. Margo decides to start an OnlyFans account, treating it like an experiment. With Jinx’s advice on building a persona drawn straight from the performance world of wrestling she quickly turns it into a runaway success. The question soon becomes whether this newfound fame and financial security will solve her problems or create a new set of complications.
What Works
The first thing that stands out is Thorpe’s sharp, witty prose. The humor is relentless, and yet beneath the laughter, the novel tackles serious subjects with surprising tenderness. Teenage motherhood, financial insecurity, sex work, addiction, and questions of identity are all woven into the story without ever feeling heavy-handed.
Margo herself is a triumph of characterization. She is flawed, spirited, and full of contradictions, but always endearing. Readers root for her even when her decisions are messy, because she embodies the resilience and resourcefulness so many people know all too well. The supporting cast is equally vivid, particularly Jinx, whose larger-than-life personality provides both comic relief and unexpected wisdom.
Readers have praised:
- Brilliantly funny writing that makes heavy themes approachable
- A fresh, modern take on motherhood and survival
- Candid exploration of sex work and internet fame
- Endearing, sharply drawn characters
- Cultural commentary on feminism, class, and self-worth
Where It Falters
While many found the originality exhilarating, some readers may be put off by the explicit discussions of OnlyFans and sex work. This is unapologetically an adult novel, written with blunt realism, and it won’t be for everyone. Additionally, those looking for a neatly resolved or traditionally uplifting narrative might find Thorpe’s slice-of-life approach a little unconventional.
Final Thoughts
Margo’s Got Money Troubles is bold, heartfelt, and unforgettable. It blends sharp humor with unflinching honesty to create a story that feels utterly modern yet universally relatable. Thorpe has written a novel that defies easy categorization it’s a coming-of-age tale, a social commentary, and a laugh-out-loud exploration of how we craft our identities when the world refuses to make room for us.
If you’re looking for something fresh, daring, and unexpectedly tender, this book deserves a spot on your shelf.
Get your copy here: Buy Margo’s Got Money Troubles on Amazon.
