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A review by mxcopmy
Good Material by Dolly Alderton
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Since English is not my first language, I apologize for any linguistic errors in this review.
I think I have now understood all the hype surrounding Dolly Alderton's books. This book was a fantastically painful experience with lots of recognisable moments through ending a relationship. Long live humour combined with a heartbreak story!
Dolly takes you through the male perspective on a heartbreak where, as a 30-something, you actually want to settle down and struggle with many questions about the complexities of growing up. Andy (protagonist) not only has to endure the acid with the 'why' questions about the break-up with Jen, but also his career as a stand-up comedian that is going a bit harder than expected. In addition, when he also realises that his friends have very little time to listen to a heartbroken teenager living in an adult's body, he also tries to question these friendships and why men always go on a binge instead of chatting candidly about their emotions experienced during such life events.
How you see Andy evolve and get all his questions resolved regarding the break-up towards the end of the story was brought in a fantastic way. Also, the fact that the process of grieving over a relationship was brought up so recognisably made it that much more insightful and enjoyable to read. In addition, there were little messages hidden throughout that were shed in beautiful quotes, such as: "And it feels okay. I say all my goodbyes, ready to no doubt meet her again tomorrow to say goodbye all over again." By the way, I don't think I have ever noted and marked so much in a book as I did here, because I saw so much beauty in this story. Well done, Dolly!
Then I haven't even mentioned the humour, OMG! Finally a book that was genuinely funny with the humour I crave for. It really felt like I was watching a Friends episode with Ross as the protagonist. I really enjoyed every second of this book with the right amount of giggles, with my boyfriend sometimes looking up strangely out of incomprehension.
The last chapter from Jen's perspective was actually a bit too redundant and drawn out for me. I actually found it funny when the book ended with Jen listing her "reasons why it's good i'm not with Andy". That would have been the perfect ending for me otherwise.
Highly recommended for those looking for a good laugh through these dark winter months (and maybe a spark of self-help in here too ;) )
I think I have now understood all the hype surrounding Dolly Alderton's books. This book was a fantastically painful experience with lots of recognisable moments through ending a relationship. Long live humour combined with a heartbreak story!
Dolly takes you through the male perspective on a heartbreak where, as a 30-something, you actually want to settle down and struggle with many questions about the complexities of growing up. Andy (protagonist) not only has to endure the acid with the 'why' questions about the break-up with Jen, but also his career as a stand-up comedian that is going a bit harder than expected. In addition, when he also realises that his friends have very little time to listen to a heartbroken teenager living in an adult's body, he also tries to question these friendships and why men always go on a binge instead of chatting candidly about their emotions experienced during such life events.
How you see Andy evolve and get all his questions resolved regarding the break-up towards the end of the story was brought in a fantastic way. Also, the fact that the process of grieving over a relationship was brought up so recognisably made it that much more insightful and enjoyable to read. In addition, there were little messages hidden throughout that were shed in beautiful quotes, such as: "And it feels okay. I say all my goodbyes, ready to no doubt meet her again tomorrow to say goodbye all over again." By the way, I don't think I have ever noted and marked so much in a book as I did here, because I saw so much beauty in this story. Well done, Dolly!
Then I haven't even mentioned the humour, OMG! Finally a book that was genuinely funny with the humour I crave for. It really felt like I was watching a Friends episode with Ross as the protagonist. I really enjoyed every second of this book with the right amount of giggles, with my boyfriend sometimes looking up strangely out of incomprehension.
The last chapter from Jen's perspective was actually a bit too redundant and drawn out for me. I actually found it funny when the book ended with Jen listing her "reasons why it's good i'm not with Andy". That would have been the perfect ending for me otherwise.
Highly recommended for those looking for a good laugh through these dark winter months (and maybe a spark of self-help in here too ;) )