A review by hmatt
The Happy Couple by Naoise Dolan

challenging funny tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

It's lazy to compare this novel to Sally Rooney's writing, but the style felt similar to me (in a good way). The narration kind of rambles on, regardless of who is narrating, and that rings as genuine. I like that this story is exactly as short as it needed to be, and I liked that everyone is a little terrible.

Where this fell short in my estimate was really just its "oomph". Since everyone is terrible and no one seems to care
where Luke went during the engagement party
, nothing really actually matters. And maybe that's the point and others will find this a brilliant little snapshot of a toxic relationship! I found it entertaining, but not wow-ing.
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