A review by bella_cavicchi
Good Material by Dolly Alderton

emotional funny reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

4.5 stars. About halfway through GOOD MATERIAL, I was worried. Not because it isn't well-written (Alderton always delivers on that front) nor because it isn't funny (it has the makings of a rom-com all over it), but because I couldn't figure out why Alderton—my queen of acknowledging and celebrating the lives of single women—had written this particular book about a 30-something man grieving a hefty breakup.

But then! You reach the last third of the book, and the perspective shifts, and it all starts to make sense. To structure it this way is a risk, but it pays off. The perfect companion to another book I read recently and loved: Amy Key's ARRANGEMENTS IN BLUE, for both invite us readers to think about life where marriage is not the end goal.

Highly recommend.

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