galoot

A stray orange cat; a séance in a hostel; a “nearsighted galoot” who decodes cryptic messages from Radio Pyongyang; flashlights that aren’t just flashlights — these bread crumbs guide us to the novel’s denouement.

Sometimes lumbering though always well-intentioned, it’s an ode to tales of lovable, scrappy galoots who keep a glint in their pummeled eyes.

Stefan, if something of a sad sack, is also a charming big galoot who sincerely believes in love.

“Or just sail the other direction, you big galoot.”

In one corner, we have Kong: a soulful-eyed galoot who, as has been true since the original film, is just looking for a little tenderness.