A review by meganmikaelian
Ghosts by Dolly Alderton

hopeful reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Dolly Alderton writes wistful and nostalgic stories that somehow still remain grounded. I enjoyed this exploration of navigating your thirties when you’re single as she shed light on some issues that really resonated with me. 

I loved the quirky banter from the characters. I’m picky about dialogue but had no complaints! Dolly’s wit and humor shone through the book, even when the subjects were more serious, and she balanced the sad and infuriating characters with the fun and whimsy well. The book dragged a bit in the middle but otherwise the pacing felt good. 

My biggest complaint that is
Nina slept with Angelo after he called her a bitch and a whore. He spoke horribly to her and the sex scene (which we knew was coming from how she described his features) made me feel icky and sad for Nina.
Also HATED
that she just forgave Max.
That was so triggering.

But overall, the book was a coming of age story and we had to sit back and let Nina make mistakes and hope she learned from them. I really enjoyed Dolly’s focus on loving and supportive female friendships and appreciated her willingness to let each of the women find different kinds of happiness, rather than saying romantic relationship are inherently good or bad.