The Simp: Lonely People

This novel is suffused with loneliness. Each of the characters in The Simp seem desperately lonely, yet have difficulty making real connections with the people around them. What did you think of how Sethi depicts loneliness? Why do his characters have so much difficulty making emotional connections? Who, do you think, is the loneliest character in the novel, and why? Alternatively, how does Raj’s relationship with Anthony both soothe and exacerbate that loneliness? Have you ever found a kindred spirit in someone unexpected? Have you ever had a close intergenerational friendship?