Scan barcode
10iii_kat's review
3.0
"There is time. There's always time. And you deserve to be loved. Don't settle for less than that."
this was... something. I'm not sure how I should word it but the book was somehow good and bad at the same time. don't get me wrong the story itself was good, something that I think many women can relate to (especially between the ages of 25-30 when everyone expects you to have everything sorted out in your life).
as a young adult, I enjoyed reading this book for sure, it gave me the feeling that I don't have to have everything figured out now, and no matter what will face me in the future it's not the end of the world.
"We need to teach our children - however old they are - that loving people is not a sacrifice but a freedom in itself."
in my eyes, Hanna is this little messy ball that needs to get her life in nothing actually goes her way (the apartment hunting, dating life, having a family). it can be a lot, but she managed to get it all in order.
there were scenes in this book that moved me: the argument between Hanna and her dad, Iain(it might seem crazy but I wish I could have that kind of argument with my dad but oh well..); the "break-up" conversation between Hanna and Tom, and that long-ish conversation between Mary and Hanna at Mary's home.
now the bad side - it took me a while to get interested in the book, the writing felt a bit messy at some parts but maybe it's because this book is a debut, that's why I'm willing to close my eye on that part.
rating: 3* - ★★★ good! It's a solid read, though not the most memorable.
thanks to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
this was... something. I'm not sure how I should word it but the book was somehow good and bad at the same time. don't get me wrong the story itself was good, something that I think many women can relate to (especially between the ages of 25-30 when everyone expects you to have everything sorted out in your life).
as a young adult, I enjoyed reading this book for sure, it gave me the feeling that I don't have to have everything figured out now, and no matter what will face me in the future it's not the end of the world.
"We need to teach our children - however old they are - that loving people is not a sacrifice but a freedom in itself."
in my eyes, Hanna is this little messy ball that needs to get her life in nothing actually goes her way (the apartment hunting, dating life, having a family). it can be a lot, but she managed to get it all in order.
there were scenes in this book that moved me: the argument between Hanna and her dad, Iain
now the bad side - it took me a while to get interested in the book, the writing felt a bit messy at some parts but maybe it's because this book is a debut, that's why I'm willing to close my eye on that part.
rating: 3* - ★★★ good! It's a solid read, though not the most memorable.
thanks to Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
jessicaanduiza's review
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
The writing desperately tries to be funny, but fails so badly. (I actually cringed.)
I’m all for reading complex female characters, but Hanna is missing that oomph that makes me want to ever root for her.
She screams of insecurity, envy and bitterness.
And also seems to have a problem with EVERYONE in her life (eg her Dad who has gone out of his way to help her) and the basis for her reasoning (he has weird hygiene habits) seems so childish to me.
I’ve never read a more annoying voice.
The only redeeming character was Mary.
She screams of insecurity, envy and bitterness.
And also seems to have a problem with EVERYONE in her life (eg her Dad who has gone out of his way to help her) and the basis for her reasoning (he has weird hygiene habits) seems so childish to me.
I’ve never read a more annoying voice.
The only redeeming character was Mary.
e_m_r's review
4.0
If you loved Olive from Emma Gannon, then you’ll love Nell Frizzell’s fiction debut…
As expected from Frizzell, this fiction debut is poignant and sharp, hilarious and relatable. It tells the story of Hannah, who at 30 goes backwards (or a perceived trajectory based on societal expectations) - living at home with her dad (who is hilariously navigating Tinder), out of work, out of a relationship and flailing. She’s anyone who has had everything happen at once in their thirties and who, after being told she should have everything solved by this point, has nothing figured out.
I loved how this book explores relationships outside of the romantic (although do not fret, there are some sexy moments too!) with the re-calibration of the father-daughter dynamic when you are both adults, the rebuilding of friendships and the important relationship; the one Hannah has with herself outside of the long term romantic partnership she had previously found herself in.
Frizzell puts Hannah at the heart of the story and what I really loved was how her evolution was the key driver, as opposed to a love interest driving the plot forward. By the end of this book, I adored Hannah and was rooting for her to succeed. I think you will too.
As expected from Frizzell, this fiction debut is poignant and sharp, hilarious and relatable. It tells the story of Hannah, who at 30 goes backwards (or a perceived trajectory based on societal expectations) - living at home with her dad (who is hilariously navigating Tinder), out of work, out of a relationship and flailing. She’s anyone who has had everything happen at once in their thirties and who, after being told she should have everything solved by this point, has nothing figured out.
I loved how this book explores relationships outside of the romantic (although do not fret, there are some sexy moments too!) with the re-calibration of the father-daughter dynamic when you are both adults, the rebuilding of friendships and the important relationship; the one Hannah has with herself outside of the long term romantic partnership she had previously found herself in.
Frizzell puts Hannah at the heart of the story and what I really loved was how her evolution was the key driver, as opposed to a love interest driving the plot forward. By the end of this book, I adored Hannah and was rooting for her to succeed. I think you will too.
readinginlipstick's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this book and thought it was perfect to read being late 30s and single. So I found this really relatable.
I thought Hannah was really lovely, yet funny and really deserved all the happiness.
I felt I went on a journey with Hannah and was routing for her the whole way thought.
Great book about moving on, dating, friendships, family and going though something where you need help, support and love around you.
I thought Hannah was really lovely, yet funny and really deserved all the happiness.
I felt I went on a journey with Hannah and was routing for her the whole way thought.
Great book about moving on, dating, friendships, family and going though something where you need help, support and love around you.
readwithgemma's review
4.0
This book was an easy read. The story was engaging and well thought out. As someone who turned 30 recently it feels really relatable. The relationship felt real especially the daughter father one.
Thanks for the access to read this via Netgalley.
Thanks for the access to read this via Netgalley.
maliha12's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
3.25
ragechel's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
nzmerchant's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Wasn’t sure what to expect because I feel the Nell Frizzell has already done this? It’s very similar to The Panic Years (which I adore with my whole heart). This just felt like a fictionalised version of that and I didn’t really need it tbh. TPY read like a work of fiction because of how well written it was - it was easy to follow and relate to Frizzell’s voice. But the main character in this book was so mopey at times it really got to me… anyway, would recommend reading The Panic Years instead!!!! Still giving it a decent rating because it re-emphasised the lessons I learnt from TPY and was fun to read.
jomoone's review
4.0
Funny, emotional and poignant is Square One by Nell Frizzell.
After her long-term relationship ends, Hanna finds herself forced to move back in with her Dad, Ian in Oxford (from London). She sleeps in his spare room, in his bachelor flat, navigating where she is, who she is and what she wants. It's deeply relatable, especially as someone who is approaching their 30s.
Hanna, in herself, grows as the book goes on. Her outlook, her attitude and how she feels about things changed and I found myself learning a lot along the way too. It's hard not to root for Hanna, and while at times I worried I was disconnecting with her, Nell did manage to scoop me back up. It's a very character-driven story, which I love, and this was no different. The ending is also so satisfying, showing how Hanna still has things to do but is in a much better place than she was at the beginning.
Julie was a standout character for me, mainly because I saw some similarities to my own Mum, my friends' Mum's and TV ones, that it made me chuckle whenever she said anything.
The book does a really good job at exploring all kinds of relationships, not just love-interest relationships, and I especially loved her and her Dad as I don't feel this is often explored.
It's a short, but enjoyable read, and one I'd recommend to anyone who feels they should have it all together but doesn't.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for the ARC, "Rock Tunnel, forever"
After her long-term relationship ends, Hanna finds herself forced to move back in with her Dad, Ian in Oxford (from London). She sleeps in his spare room, in his bachelor flat, navigating where she is, who she is and what she wants. It's deeply relatable, especially as someone who is approaching their 30s.
Hanna, in herself, grows as the book goes on. Her outlook, her attitude and how she feels about things changed and I found myself learning a lot along the way too. It's hard not to root for Hanna, and while at times I worried I was disconnecting with her, Nell did manage to scoop me back up. It's a very character-driven story, which I love, and this was no different. The ending is also so satisfying, showing how Hanna still has things to do but is in a much better place than she was at the beginning.
Julie was a standout character for me, mainly because I saw some similarities to my own Mum, my friends' Mum's and TV ones, that it made me chuckle whenever she said anything.
The book does a really good job at exploring all kinds of relationships, not just love-interest relationships, and I especially loved her and her Dad as I don't feel this is often explored.
It's a short, but enjoyable read, and one I'd recommend to anyone who feels they should have it all together but doesn't.
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House for the ARC, "Rock Tunnel, forever"