Review: The Art of Love (& Loathing) by Stephen Daniel Ruiz

Author Stephen Daniel Ruiz dives deep into the mind of a struggling writer desperate for the puzzle pieces of life to fit in The Art of Love (& Loathing). A thoughtful, emotional, and at times hilarious novel, this book is a magnifying glass on modern life with all its unfair pitfalls and daily existential crises, reminding readers of what unifies, rather than divides.

Arthur Kimble is a man whose heart is in the right place, but his mind doesn’t always follow, nor does his luck or behavior. Struggling to keep a floundering literary journal afloat, while also attempting some semblance of parenting for the son and daughter he rarely sees, it feels like he is always one step away from turning life around, but life inevitably has other plans.

Reflecting the modern malaise of mediocrity that affects untold millions around the world, this book feels intensely contemporary, while also delivering timeless wisdom and universal truths. The story is generally straightforward, despite Arthur’s eccentric mental health, but the microcosmic story delivers plenty of macrocosmic conclusions: You can’t always get what you want, and sometimes shouldn’t even if you can. Sweeping statements surrounding heady philosophy can often feel heavy-handed in a novel, but Ruiz puts a personal twist on his wisdom that feels fresh and curious.

Passages that appear platonic on their first read end up pregnant with meaning a few lines or pages later – a clear sign of a thoughtful writer who is skilled at imbuing simple language with greater meaning. Not only are readers privy to an inside look at the fascinating world of literary magazines and publishing, but they also get unfiltered access to the fascinating mind of this protagonist, with all its circuitous thinking, tangential self-reflections, and philosophical contemplation. There is a sadness that lingers over this story, which the author tries to overlay with humor, and the authentic interplay between these emotions makes the novel hit hard on many levels. As a result, the novel has the capacity to inspire both belly laughs and crying in public; it is subtly powerful in its relatability, and thoroughly enjoyable.

On the technical side, the book is well-edited, not only for superficial errors, but for the tightness of the prose and the cleverness of language. Unusual turns of phrase and surprising syntax result in a strong and unique voice, and an intimacy that gives this story the occasional feel of creative non-fiction. The range of subject matter explored in the plot is broad – personal purpose, the complexities of love, grief and loss, the pain of writing, and the isolation of the human experience – and Ruiz is unafraid of telling his truth through Kimble’s clumsy but capable tongue.

Partly confessional and entirely engaging, The Art of Love (& Loathing) is humorous and heartfelt, with potent dialogue that feels torn from reality, and just enough ridiculous moments to reflect every reader’s personal level of crazy; the struggles and emotions are real, while the redemptive plot is both emotionally and intellectually gripping.