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A review by rachelkay1821
The Happy Couple by Naoise Dolan
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!
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!