You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
camillatd 's review for:
Exciting Times
by Naoise Dolan
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Moderate: Colonisation
Minor: Homophobia, Sexual content