A review by camillatd
Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan

challenging emotional funny reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This book was pretty slow-paced and almost entirely character-driven, which I really enjoy, but it's definitely not for everyone. There are clear parallels to be drawn with Sally Rooney's Conversations with Friends, another novel I adore, but I think Dolan's work stands on its own. She deftly explores queerness, cultural friction, the nuances of intimacy, and vulnerability with witty prose, drily amusing cultural observations, and sharp moments of personal reflection. I found Ava frustrating at times, but I think that's kind of the point. In some of her behaviors and instincts, I saw reflections of myself, and this awareness of flaws made me uncomfortable. Naoise Dolan has been vocal about her positionality as a queer, neurodivergent, Irish writer, and I think understanding this voice is crucial to appreciating her work. 
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