Reviews with content warning for Pregnancy - Good Material

This book is really well written and it makes some really good points about generational differences, relationships, break-ups and Dolly Alderton just really gets people, I think! Buuuut…I didn’t actually enjoy the process of reading it that much. Like the majority of the book is a man feeling pitiful about getting dumped and I had to force myself to finish it.

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bella_cavicchi's review against another edition

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emotional funny reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

4.5 stars. About halfway through GOOD MATERIAL, I was worried. Not because it isn't well-written (Alderton always delivers on that front) nor because it isn't funny (it has the makings of a rom-com all over it), but because I couldn't figure out why Alderton—my queen of acknowledging and celebrating the lives of single women—had written this particular book about a 30-something man grieving a hefty breakup.

But then! You reach the last third of the book, and the perspective shifts, and it all starts to make sense. To structure it this way is a risk, but it pays off. The perfect companion to another book I read recently and loved: Amy Key's ARRANGEMENTS IN BLUE, for both invite us readers to think about life where marriage is not the end goal.

Highly recommend.

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jnestwd's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

This book was so infuriating, I loved it.

God Andy was annoying. Annoying because everything about his insufferable, whiny, self-pitying character is so FAMILIAR.

We all know/have dated an Andy.

And Jen’s act of radical self-love to prioritise her own wants and needs above that of Andy’s, served as an intoxicating reminder that we all have permission to choose our own path. Her chapter at the end read like my own innermost thoughts at times from relationships past where I was searching for a way out.

Dolly masterfully captured the reality of dating and relationships in your 30s with complex and interesting characters that felt entirely believable and relatable.

P.S. petition for a Jen spin off!!!

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