50 reviews for:

Square One

Nell Frizzell

3.15 AVERAGE

emotional lighthearted slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
10iii_kat's profile picture

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.
tamsinmarsh's profile picture

tamsinmarsh's review

3.75
lighthearted medium-paced
jessicaanduiza's profile picture

jessicaanduiza's review

1.0
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

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.

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.

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.

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.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
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: Complicated
emotional funny hopeful sad fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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.