A review by badger
Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan

4.0

I hated this book because I saw myself in Ava more than I would like to admit. That was also why I loved it - Dolan writes convincingly from the perspective of an unstable, apathetic woman who is in in a state of complete flux in every aspect of her life; her identity, her family, her relationships, her sexuality, her career, her sense of belonging. She is the definition of a flawed protagonist - she's bitchy, judgemental, and makes sweeping generalisations about pretty much everything and everyone. But beneath Ava's sharp quips and offhand comments, Dolan's subtext paints a different picture of her protagonist; vulnerable, terrified, and achingly relatatable.

Honestly, the times in this book /aren't/ exciting. They are just incredibly real, oftentimes boring and familiar, yet perfectly paced. Whilst not perfect, the way Dolan writes Ava's relationship with Edith is convincing; very female gaze-y, filled with small intricate rituals typical of wlw relationships. It made me feel warm inside.

Would recommend this to fans of Sally Rooney - though of course that's no surprise.