There are a lot of moving pieces in On the Origins of Joy Boy's Chasm by Liam James Leaven, but this is my best attempt to show just how creatively chaotic it is. Joy Boy and Flyaway's relationship strains escalate when Flyaway accuses Joy Boy of calling her irrational, leading to a heated argument and her departure. At a bar, Flyaway vents to Dude, an aspiring actor who reassures her. Joy Boy continues his monotonous life, seeking Flyaway and facing work frustrations. Dude lands a shampoo commercial, marking a career milestone. Then there's Nuntius, avoiding former colleagues, contemplating his existence, and holding lipophilic talks when paths cross with Dude. Joy Boy wants to find Flyaway and reconcile but faces continuous setbacks, including the fact that Flyaway considers her future with a new partner, contrasting her past with Joy Boy. And don't even get me started on the fireworks.

“Oh but Joy Boy, don’t look so sad, my dear Boy. It’s one of life’s great lessons, and paradoxes. If one loves, one doesn’t give up. But if she decides to go, there’s nothing you can do.” I was looking for something to give me a smile and maybe a few chuckles, and On the Origins of Joy Boy's Chasm by Liam James Leaven delivered exactly that. The novel is formatted in mostly dialogue and this suits the story well, especially since the back-and-forth between characters is hilarious. It feels a little bit like Seinfeld meets The Office, sprinkled with moments of pure logic. One standout is Nuntius conversing with himself about the brilliance of stem cell technology, but the reality of the impact of finance is on how it, and everything else, would make it out of reach for most. The arc connects from one chapter to the next and I appreciated how Leaven opted to deliver the scenes in a series of vignettes as it made it easier for me to go back and re-read what a tranquilized hippopotamus in rollerblades might look like. Very highly recommended.

On the Origins of Joy Boy’s Chasm by Liam James Leaven is a whirlwind journey through the life of Joy Boy, a protagonist at a crossroads. With his girlfriend gone, a quirky roommate, and a soul-sucking job writing TV listings, Joy Boy embarks on a quest for purpose. The novel unfolds as a comedic yet poignant exploration of Joy Boy’s encounters with a colorful array of characters who, like him, are searching for fulfillment in an absurd and disconnected world. The narrative style, reminiscent of John Kennedy Toole’s A Confederacy of Dunces, uses humor to dissect societal norms and the human condition. Joy Boy transplants this exploration into the bustling streets of Manhattan, offering a fresh perspective on urban life and its challenges.

What sets On the Origins of Joy Boy’s Chasm apart is its blend of comedy and romance, woven into a narrative that never loses momentum. The humor is sharp, capturing the absurdities of each character. Yet along with the laughter are moments of genuine introspection as Joy Boy confronts his own fears and insecurities, making his journey relatable and compelling. Liam James Leaven’s skillful prose keeps the pages turning with each mishap Joy Boy encounters, while clever twists and turns ensure that Joy Boy’s quest never becomes predictable. Not knowing what will happen next is what makes the book a fun read. Fans of pop culture humor will appreciate Leaven’s witty narrative style and memorable characters, while newcomers will enjoy the tale of self-discovery and the chaos of city life.