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The main character Andy is a bit annoying in that he wallows in the breakup with Jen for a long time. As a standup comedian he's not that funny. He can't seem to get out of his own way. However, the ending redeemed the novel for me. I enjoyed the perspective it gave with a couple plot twists thrown in.

3 stars out of 5. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

6-7 Mar 24 (audiobook)
Reminiscent of High Fidelity, most of Good Material is told from the perspective of Andy, an unsuccessful standup comic, dealing with the breakdown of his relationship and subsequently his life. It humorously looks at the difference between female and male friendship, and the reality of reaching middle age without having achieved success. The last quarter provides Jen‘s perspective, which is an enlightening counterpoint.

This is best read when in the mood for a 35 yo struggling comic suffering the breakup from the love of his life - I didn‘t think I was in that mood, but since I purchased a physical copy I stuck with it, and darn if Andy didn‘t grow on me. I especially liked how the last chapter 31Jan2020 pulled it altogether. Also, Andy‘s mom provides some great insight for anyone grieving the end of a relationship.

Dolly Alderton really gets into the heads of her millennial characters and her portrayal of romantic disasters and the weaknesses of adult friendships in busy lives is apt to say the least. It was refreshing to read a novel about a man undone by his feelings, the likes of which I‘ve not read since High Fidelity. A really compelling story that‘s honest about flaws which will be recognisable to us all.

I‘m such a fan of Dolly Alderton! Though this is not usually my type of read, I jumped on the huge hold list for the audio because I knew there‘d be quality dialog and great characters and I was right! Nothing out of the ordinary, it‘s a story of a relationship and the aftermath. The surprising part is that it‘s mostly from the man‘s point of view. Excellent commentary about being “on the wrong side of 35”! Expert narration to boot!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

If you‘d like a different take on a romance for the month of love, this book is like an autopsy of a relationship. Being in Andy‘s head was relatable, funny, and cringeworthy. I also really enjoyed Morris‘ character. Although this story is about a breakup, there is a lot of love found in these pages.🎧

#52bookclub24 - 30 - Picked without reading the blurb

Andy and Jen broke up. Andy still loves Jen and can't fathom what went wrong. Over the course of the months after the breakup he needs to find not only a new home, he needs to find out who he is.

I enjoyed this story about a breakup mainly from the man's POV.

The writing was good and the narration (80% by Arthur Darvill) excellent.

This book will move onto the favourites pile for this year.

A story of a relationship post-break-up and what comes next.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️,5/5

#DollyAlderton #novel