In 'Five-Star Stranger,' a man gets hired on an app to pretend to be a girl's father

The Role of Strangers in Personal Connections

The concept of hiring strangers to fulfill various roles in one's life is central to the narrative, as illustrated through the experiences of characters engaging rental strangers for companionship at events like weddings and funerals. Clients seek these interactions often to alleviate feelings of loneliness or to impress others, but they frequently find themselves dissatisfied even when their expectations are met. The novel highlights a poignant storyline where a young girl unknowingly views a hired stranger as her father, raising questions about the nature of familial connections and the underlying complexities of such relationships. This theme reflects a broader societal commentary on how modern relationships can be superficial yet deeply intertwined with personal needs.