The Extra Man

“The Extra Man” is a novel by Wendy Wasserstein that explores the life of a poetic, somewhat eccentric man named Louis Ives, who struggles with finding his place in society. The story delves into themes of identity, loneliness, and the search for meaning, set against the backdrop of 1970s New York City. Through Louis’s interactions with a quirky, washed-up playwright and his experiences working as an “extra man” (a secondary, often overlooked role), the book examines personal growth, the complexity of human relationships, and the challenges of staying true to oneself.