Reviews

The Happy Couple by Naoise Dolan

spiderhands's review against another edition

4.0

I love Dolan's writing style - it is so easy and readable and funny. All the characters feel real and nuanced, even if I don't like them very much, and there is such fascinating idiosyncratic detail given to everyone.

rebread's review against another edition

lighthearted medium-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

3.5

yellibeansyrup's review against another edition

4.0

I can’t believe I almost ended up not reading this book. When it first came out, I bought it impulsively. Then I realised that I didn’t like exciting times (author’s previous book) all that much, so instead of reading it sat on my shelf for months. I was planning on giving it away or selling it, but rather than doing either, I ended up reading it anyway a couple of (additional) months later. And I’m glad I did. This wasn’t a very happy or hopeful book. But it was a joy to read, it might not make you feel the best, nor will it make you feel good about humanity. But it will make you feel good about all the bad humanity has to offer. Not a need to read book, but if you’re on the fence about wanting to just give it a shot.

criscin's review against another edition

I didn’t care about the characters. They seemed one dimensional

silky_klaarwater's review against another edition

funny reflective 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? It's complicated

4.0

gaylandtoo's review against another edition

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

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

5.0

this is a new contender for my top 5 favorite books ever. fantastic.

elizabthreads's review against another edition

medium-paced

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

2.75

pollyjanehyde's review against another edition

emotional funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

4.5

arodriguez28's review against another edition

5.0

This book is my new Roman Empire.
Naoise Dolan does Sally Rooney better than Sally Rooney in this book.
The relationships were comically complex (a little too much I will admit) but it created such an interesting little web of characters and the dynamics were so much fun to explore. The multiple perspectives were done so well and I highlighted 9 quotes which is so many for me.
PS happy pride month ah yay

carolineselina's review against another edition

reflective medium-paced

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

3.5