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bookshelfbybee's review against another edition
4.0
It took me a little while to get through this one - not because it was boring or slow, but because I was in an apparent reading slump and it didn’t necessarily latch onto me. I didn’t LOVE this novel, but I did enjoy it. I also adored the short, sharp chapters.
In the beginning, I loved that everything was non-descriptive; there’s that favourite band, that pub, the TV show on ABC about this... just enough to keep you interested, and not quite enough to stop you from thinking Lona’s life might be yours too. Then, as the story progressed and as Lona opened up more to herself and those around her, things became more specific; Ryan Reynolds in the movie about aliens, the two-bedroom unit in Carnegie, the train station at South Yarra. I don’t know if that was intentional by Young, but it was clever.
I’m not entirely sure how I feel about Lona’s attitude. Does she not care for the things other people like and looks down on them for it, or does she just not care for them? I wonder about Lona a lot; she’s written in a way that makes her seem simultaneously pretentious and judgemental, self-aware and empathetic. She is very complex, and I enjoyed that. Similarly, Young materialised in Lona’s emotions so many things that I feel myself, but sometimes can’t make sense of.
This book doesn’t end in a neat bow, but it’s not supposed to; Lona’s life, like ours, is messy and incomplete and constantly changing. Neat bows are rare and it’s important to remember that.
When to Read - If you’re looking for an atypical read with an interesting protagonist.
In the beginning, I loved that everything was non-descriptive; there’s that favourite band, that pub, the TV show on ABC about this... just enough to keep you interested, and not quite enough to stop you from thinking Lona’s life might be yours too. Then, as the story progressed and as Lona opened up more to herself and those around her, things became more specific; Ryan Reynolds in the movie about aliens, the two-bedroom unit in Carnegie, the train station at South Yarra. I don’t know if that was intentional by Young, but it was clever.
I’m not entirely sure how I feel about Lona’s attitude. Does she not care for the things other people like and looks down on them for it, or does she just not care for them? I wonder about Lona a lot; she’s written in a way that makes her seem simultaneously pretentious and judgemental, self-aware and empathetic. She is very complex, and I enjoyed that. Similarly, Young materialised in Lona’s emotions so many things that I feel myself, but sometimes can’t make sense of.
This book doesn’t end in a neat bow, but it’s not supposed to; Lona’s life, like ours, is messy and incomplete and constantly changing. Neat bows are rare and it’s important to remember that.
When to Read - If you’re looking for an atypical read with an interesting protagonist.
tanaz_masaba's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely loved this book! Loner is one of those timeless stories about growing up, identity and adjusting to the different changes life throws at us as we move from being naive teenagers to a young adulthood. The writing was eloquent and charming, and I absolutely loved how well developed all the characters were. Would definitely recommend this,
hellosarahlou's review against another edition
4.0
I feel very seen! A nice read, love the short, sharp dialogue and chapters (and the front cover artwork!).
mcbeennetts's review against another edition
4.0
lately there’s just something about me and a book about a weird young adult woman figuring their shit out !!! I’m gonna eat it up everytime!!
“When Lona says “this is so great” she’s trying to articulate that she cannot even comprehend this evening and what it means to feel big big love for a concept instead of a thing that has the capacity to love you back” is literally me, I have finally found the words to describe how I can not put my emotions about concerts/things I love into words lmao
I loved her and George soooo much and I wish they stayed together
“When Lona says “this is so great” she’s trying to articulate that she cannot even comprehend this evening and what it means to feel big big love for a concept instead of a thing that has the capacity to love you back” is literally me, I have finally found the words to describe how I can not put my emotions about concerts/things I love into words lmao
I loved her and George soooo much and I wish they stayed together
bibliobliss_au's review against another edition
3.0
Loner gave me similar vibes to other character-driven novels about a few other 20-something introverts I’ve read lately - Kokomo, Normal People and A Lonely Girl is a Dangerous Thing.
I enjoyed the writing, but felt some aspects of the plot were unresolved. Lona weaves her way a little aimlessly through this novel and I never really had a grasp on where the story was headed.
I’d be curious to read more from Georgina Young. If you enjoyed the novels I mentioned above, Loner will be worth checking out.
I enjoyed the writing, but felt some aspects of the plot were unresolved. Lona weaves her way a little aimlessly through this novel and I never really had a grasp on where the story was headed.
I’d be curious to read more from Georgina Young. If you enjoyed the novels I mentioned above, Loner will be worth checking out.
jane8888's review against another edition
emotional
funny
fast-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
mmllepoulain's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
neenor's review against another edition
2.0
Overall, this book is an easy, interesting read, if a bit forgettable. I did think the author perfectly captured the essence of being in your early twenties, with navigating non-compulsory education and shitty part-time jobs and new relationships and moving out and just trying to find yourself - I really enjoyed this aspect. At the same time, I kind of hated the protagonist - she felt very relatable, but was also incredibly unrelatable and irritating in the same breath. As the book is an account of this character’s day to day life, it made it hard to enjoy the book, hence the low rating. However, this is an ARC so things may change before it’s published next year.
infectiousreading's review against another edition
2.0
This one was a bit lackluster for me, as I did not enjoy the voice and tone of the story. I thought it was going to be a bit more enticing or grabbing, but I did not find myself interested in it enough. It could be a personal preference, but I think the anxiety and coming-of-age just did not feel realistic at all. I put it down for about a month before I picked it back up and finished it.