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A review by dontforgetthelights
Good Material by Dolly Alderton
funny
reflective
fast-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? Yes
4.25
The last segment of this book is genius. She sure knows how to wrap up fulfillingly. It's not often that I enjoy novels with a mc that has a negative attitude/makes maladaptive decisions but I flew through this one soooo I guess that speaks for itself.
Was also super interesting to see some of the things that Andy deemed unnecessary to mention in his storytelling revealed through Avi and Jen later - which were in turn each endearingly redeeming and character condemning. Almost like he was trying to tell the story in a way which makes things seem most inexplicable/funny by leaving out information (unreliable narration). Maybe I'm reading too much into it but if that was the point then it was well done 😊
Lowkey was rooting for Sophie though she was awesome but that's okay :(
Cant help but feel like the praise emblazoned all over the front and back covers of my copy mis-sell the actual story (I'm a serial reading crier and this one didn't come close to getting me) but I was as invested as I guess is possible for what's a relatively concise novel - when compared to many of the hallmarks of litfic.
That being said - I loved some of Alderton's themes, particularly how she explores male "emotional illiteracy". The exerpt which touched me most personally: "We're embarrassed of seeming stupid. Every time I hear Jane or Jen or Mum and one of her friends talk about something emotional, it's like listening to an orchestra perform. Often with no warm-up, they launch effortlessly into the chosen symphony of the day. And when I offer my thoughts I know I'm ruining it - hooting along tunelessly like a grade-one recorder player."
Andy - I feel you, and I'm not even a bloke.
Was also super interesting to see some of the things that Andy deemed unnecessary to mention in his storytelling revealed through Avi and Jen later - which were in turn each endearingly redeeming and character condemning. Almost like he was trying to tell the story in a way which makes things seem most inexplicable/funny by leaving out information (unreliable narration). Maybe I'm reading too much into it but if that was the point then it was well done 😊
Cant help but feel like the praise emblazoned all over the front and back covers of my copy mis-sell the actual story (I'm a serial reading crier and this one didn't come close to getting me) but I was as invested as I guess is possible for what's a relatively concise novel - when compared to many of the hallmarks of litfic.
That being said - I loved some of Alderton's themes, particularly how she explores male "emotional illiteracy". The exerpt which touched me most personally: "We're embarrassed of seeming stupid. Every time I hear Jane or Jen or Mum and one of her friends talk about something emotional, it's like listening to an orchestra perform. Often with no warm-up, they launch effortlessly into the chosen symphony of the day. And when I offer my thoughts I know I'm ruining it - hooting along tunelessly like a grade-one recorder player."
Andy - I feel you, and I'm not even a bloke.