Reviews

Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan

emmaljohnson's review against another edition

4.0

Rating is actually a 3.5. Love the style of this book, and the narrow focus on the 3 main characters. But always felt like I was wanting more and waiting for Ava to realise something, or *do* something, rather than just passively existing, a moment which never seemed to come. At times, it felt like I knew Edith and Julian more than Ava. Ultimately annoyed that her personal satisfaction eventually appears to come from a romantic resolution rather than a personal/professional one about what she wants in life.

gps93's review against another edition

3.5

Really enjoyed the witty narration - however none of the characters showed much development and the ending was not satisfying, which made it all seem pointless. 

emlbish's review against another edition

funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.5

annaprall's review

dark emotional medium-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

5.0

anninamatikainen's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted 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

3.0

mayaperkins's review against another edition

4.0

loved the writing. it's giving sally rooney. reminded me of the time i did my study abroad during uni. the only difference between this and normal people is that i didn't fall in love with the characters in this one.

annaqq's review

5.0

I am Ava and Ava is me 

eunischeung's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad slow-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

4.5

I found this book refreshing as it was about the complexities of modern relationships and romance based on insecurity and hookup culture that felt so raw. I saw a lot of myself in Ava and I relate to her thoughts in her relationship with Julian. As a Hong Konger I also really enjoyed the dynamic of Hong Kong and Ireland both having been occupied by Britain, and how that has remained through language and culture.

storytelli's review against another edition

2.0

The times were, in fact, not exciting.

ghostly_teapot's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad slow-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

4.0