The titles worthy of a place on your bedside table
Good Material by Dolly Alderton
Love has long been a defining theme of Dolly Alderton’s writing. , her second novel, is billed as a “relatable story of heartbreak and friendship” – so far, so expected. More surprisingly, its central protagonist and narrator is a is a highly enjoyable exploration of the messy, non-binary nature of many break-ups, and how two people who love each other can simply make a terrible couple. It also digs into the uncomfortable sadness triggered by your friends moving into different life stages, a favourite topic of Alderton’s. While it was novel to trace a break up through the lens of a man, even more of Jen’s perspective would have been very welcome. But if you’re on the hunt for a readable romcom to inhale in a few sittings, this is very good material.
