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A review by katiemack
Ghosts by Dolly Alderton
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to love this, and parts of it--the vulnerability inherent in being ghosted and in navigating a parent's illness--were relatable, heartfelt, and intriguing. Honestly, though, chunks of this book were boring for me; I found myself not caring about the characters when their quotidian conversations played out on the page. Alderton brings some charming Bridget Jones moments to her chapters, though, including some laugh-out-loud one-liners; e.g., when talking about men's dating profiles, main character Nina sighs, "They all say they love napping. I don't know why. I don't know who told all these grown men that what women really love are giant pizza-guzzling babies who need sleep all the time."
This is one of the most British books I've read lately--that's neither a flaw nor a positive factor--so if you don't like British humor then I'd skip this one. You should also stay away from it if you need or want more faith in men, as this book has no redeemable male characters.
I wanted to love this, and parts of it--the vulnerability inherent in being ghosted and in navigating a parent's illness--were relatable, heartfelt, and intriguing. Honestly, though, chunks of this book were boring for me; I found myself not caring about the characters when their quotidian conversations played out on the page. Alderton brings some charming Bridget Jones moments to her chapters, though, including some laugh-out-loud one-liners; e.g., when talking about men's dating profiles, main character Nina sighs, "They all say they love napping. I don't know why. I don't know who told all these grown men that what women really love are giant pizza-guzzling babies who need sleep all the time."
This is one of the most British books I've read lately--that's neither a flaw nor a positive factor--so if you don't like British humor then I'd skip this one. You should also stay away from it if you need or want more faith in men, as this book has no redeemable male characters.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Terminal illness