This won the First Novel prize in 2021 and you can definitely see why. It's very engaging, filled with rootable (even if frustrating) characters. The characters have real problems and there are a couple of heart-stopping moments -- even if you realize that nothing _truly_ terrible is going to happen because it isn't really that kind of book. The ending is redemptive but still clear-eyed and realistic  (with the possible exception of one character introduced near the end, who accommodates herself a little too quickly to a surprise twist in her own life).