Good Material

A Novel

By: Dolly Alderton

Narrated by: Arthur Darvill, Vanessa Kirby

Length: 9 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A TODAY SHOW #ReadWithJenna BOOK CLUB PICK • From the New York Times best-selling author of Ghosts and Everything I Know About Love: a story of heartbreak and friendship and how to survive both

“Like Nora Ephron, with a British twist….Delivers the most delightful aspects of classic romantic comedy—snappy dialogue, realistic relationship dynamics, humorous meet-cutes and misunderstandings—and leaves behind the clichéd gender roles and traditional marriage plot.”—The New York Times

Andy loves Jen. Jen loved Andy. And he can't work out why she stopped.

Now he is. . .

Without a home

Waiting for his stand-up career to take off

Wondering why everyone else around him seems to have grown up while he wasn't looking

Set adrift on the sea of heartbreak, Andy clings to the idea of solving the puzzle of his ruined relationship. Because if he can find the answer to that, then maybe Jen can find her way back to him. But Andy still has a lot to learn, not least his ex-girlfriend's side of the story…

In this sharply funny and exquisitely relatable story of romantic disaster and friendship, Dolly Alderton offers up a love story with two endings, demonstrating once again why she is one of the most exciting writers today, and the true voice of a generation.

©2024 Dolly Alderton (P)2024 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Hilarious…Refreshing… Her witty, tender story of a newly single comedian finding his footing among smug marrieds… rigs a tightrope across a familiar chasm, then dances across it with Philippe Petit-like grace.”—Elisabeth Egan, The New York Times

"Hilarious...Hurts so good...Surprising and sharp...[Alderton's] ability to create complex characters and tell the story with a varied perspective is masterful...Perfect endings are nearly impossible to find—especially in the break-up genre—but this comes pretty dang close. To quote the great Nicole Kidman, in her iconic AMC prologue, 'Heartbreak feels good in a place like this."—Clare Mulroy, USA Today

“Dolly Alderton has always been a sparkling Roman candle of talent. She is funny, smart and explosively engaged in the wonders and weirdness of the world.”—Elizabeth Gilbert, New York Times best-selling author of City of Girls

Relatable

After reading this book, I felt I was born in the correct time period. Food for the soul and made me feel less strange and lonely. Can’t wait for my next read from Dolly

Confused…

I really don’t see the hype with this one. It’s just a man whining about his break up the whole time basically? Def not my fav Dolly Alderton book.

Fresh and Laugh Out Loud Funny!

I listen to 3 to 5 books a week and rarely a leave review. But this book is so relatable and funny and refreshing! Not your typical Rom-Com at all but gives real perspective on relationships and break up. Five Stars!

LOVED it

this book made me so happy and I couldn't stop listening to it. light, witty and loved all of the characters.

A unique take on romance

I loved this book as it came from the make perspective. It was real, and heartfelt and so realistic.

Best recommendation ever

This is such a good book. The narrators are so good. The story has such great humor and sadness and is yet so funny. Amazing read. Highly recommend.

Unique story about a breakup

Fresh take on the breakup story. There were several laugh out loud moments. I appreciated the self deprecating and introspective point of view, that was sincere but also had enough humor to keep the mood up.

Long drawn out story

I liked the characters but waited and waited for something to happen. Finally started happening at the very end but the ending was unsatisfying. Others may like this book more if stories about “nothing” are your jam.

A most excellent read

Wow. Loved this book. So well done. Dolly Alberton is a genius. I loved the story and the evolution of the characters. I can’t wait to reach my next Alberton!

Storyline

Great performances to such a heartfelt book, loved every part of it. We need a book 2 now