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whoanelle's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I liked the writing enough to want to finish the book, absolutely despised all the characters except maybe Edith.
This is not your typical romance book, it feels similar to Emily Austin’s writing except almost zero character development.
The ending was confusing and honestly so was some of the writing as someone who comes from a low income background and the U.S I didn’t understand certain parts.
I don’t know if I’d recommend this but once you start it, no matter how terrible the characters I feel like you’ll want to see it through. That’s the kind of book this is!
This is not your typical romance book, it feels similar to Emily Austin’s writing except almost zero character development.
The ending was confusing and honestly so was some of the writing as someone who comes from a low income background and the U.S I didn’t understand certain parts.
I don’t know if I’d recommend this but once you start it, no matter how terrible the characters I feel like you’ll want to see it through. That’s the kind of book this is!
Minor: Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Xenophobia
mcrystal1000's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-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
This book honestly captivated me pretty well. The way they set the plot line against a backdrop of protests and organizing was really cool. I still am not quite sure why the main character drove into the police station??? And what was the deal w Jolene at the end. Rude of the ending to leave me hanging like that tho.
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Xenophobia, and Stalking
Minor: Mental illness, Transphobia, and Violence
elenakperez's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I think this was well-written and interesting read. Most of the book takes place inside the protagonist's head. If you enjoy a Sally-Rooney-esque novel you'll like Exciting Times. If you like reading about an emotionally detached, 20-something woman making poor life decisions which many could be avoided with simple communication then you'll like this book.
Graphic: Misogyny, Rape, Xenophobia, Abortion, Lesbophobia, and Colonisation
sindunfin's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Minor: Sexism and Xenophobia
sentcinematic's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Xenophobia, Lesbophobia, and Colonisation
girlgetsbook's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I didn't love it as I thought I would, because it has a lot of themes I either relate to or am interested by, however I didn't enjoy the character's voice so much and almost DNFd it, it felt tiring at times especially in part I, it felt like it was the same scene over and over and the same topics, though important, being driven to the ground by being mentioned in every sentence. Part II saved it for me and all the stars here are exclusively because that part exists, still I was already tired and wanting to finish it as quickly as possible by that time.
Graphic: Sexism, Toxic relationship, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Homophobia and Lesbophobia
libbyhb's review against another edition
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Okay, so I did really have a good time reading this for some reason. I did not like most of the characters and the themes, but the reading experience itself was fun, if that makes any sense? I loved the writing style, and look forward to whatever else Naoise Dolan writes after this. I also enjoyed the tangents Ava's thoughts went on that spoke to Irish language or relationships. Others have made good points here and on Goodreads about the way it's set in Hong Kong but that doesn't seem to have that much of an impact on the story, as well as how few Asian characters are featured and how under-developed they are - definitely check those out. I found those points very compelling and they made me like the book less. Overall, I enjoyed myself during this but it definitely didn't move me or have that much of an impact on me.
Graphic: Toxic relationship
Minor: Racism, Sexual content, and Xenophobia
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