Reviews

The Happy Couple by Naoise Dolan

ebatchelder's review against another edition

emotional funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

bookswithruby's review against another edition

lighthearted reflective fast-paced

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

3.5

jiscoo's review against another edition

3.75

naoise dolan is simply the funniest woman alive

lilly71490's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

embo_'s review against another edition

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

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

4.5

I really enjoyed this read after Dolan's first book.

Spoiler

I found Luke to be far more interesting and likeable as a character than Celine. Was weird that either of them even considered getting married tbh. I was glad of the outcome and was glad Celine walked away from the wedding it really was for the best.

lauraesme's review against another edition

funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

emmahartmann's review against another edition

funny inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

vandita_128's review against another edition

funny fast-paced

4.0

veramarsova's review against another edition

emotional funny reflective sad

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

 Brilliant, funny, accurate, and a little sad.

rachelkay1821's review against another edition

emotional funny reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Thank you to NetGalley, author Naoise Dolan, and Ecco for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

I have gotten very into Irish contemporary fiction, and this was such a perfect example of it!! What a quick read that was absolutely packed to the brim with characters and life. I've heard lots of good things about Dolan's first novel, Exciting Times, and it's been on my list for a while, but I will now be rushing to read it based on how much I enjoyed this read. Don't get me wrong, The Happy Couple was definitely stressful and unhappy at times, but that's just how real life is. I loved the alternating perspectives through each of the flawed characters; it worked really well in this structure to see a closer look at each character and how they were intertwined with each other. I found myself truly rooting for Celine and Luke, both together and separate, and I loved how Dolan really went into the tricky intricacies of love, romantically and platonically. There's lots of Irish humor to break up the stressful moments, and I think my favorite character was Phoebe, Celine's sister. I loved the LGBTQ+ representation, and I think this would make such a great limited series to watch!