Book Review — Rufi Thorpe

I’d vaguely heard of Margo’s Got Money Troubles from various online book communities and only knew it was supposed to be funny. That’s all I went in knowing — and honestly, that’s exactly how I’d recommend you read it too.

It was a pleasant surprise. The humor reminded me of Where’d You Go, Bernadette — sharp, absurd, and deeply human — but what caught me off guard was how much I actually cared. This book is relatable to any millennial struggling to afford a life while also being an amusing commentary on modern social media — specifically, OnlyFans. And yes, I had to confront some of my own biases around that, which the book almost seems to anticipate. The characters hold a mirror up to those assumptions in the most disarming way.

At its core though, Margo’s Got Money Troubles is about family dynamics — heavy ones, handled with a lighter touch. I knew exactly who to root for and why, which is rarer than it sounds.

Why not five stars? The writing isn’t quite as strong as the story deserves. And honestly, some of my biases are probably still lingering. But neither of those things stopped me from loving it.

The trailer for the Apple TV series — starring Elle Fanning, Michelle Pfeiffer, Nicole Kidman, and Nick Offerman, from A24 and David E. Kelley — dropped today, and it looks exactly how I pictured this while reading. I don’t have an Apple TV subscription but will be getting it for this, and I can’t wait to watch. The eight-episode series premieres April 15, 2026, with three episodes, followed by new episodes every Wednesday through May 20.

Read it before then. Go in blind.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ — 4/5 stars

Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe. This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission at no cost to you.