Crimp is clearly a talent to watch. Beautifully written, this is an astonishingly assured debut that tackles plenty of big themes with insight, empathy and wit, alongside a peek-behind-the-curtain into the intense pressure, drive and focus required of young opera singers to achieve their dream. Minor quibbles: for a character with such an extraordinary ability to log and capture her world, Anna's inability to more directly see the parallels of her own affair with that of the characters she inhabited on stage became a little stretched by the end (despite her own self-confessed inability to 'see' Max properly). Likewise the sudden shift that paves the way for the novel's denouement. Whether this was conscious nod to the more fairytale aspects of operatic storylines, or simply a way to allow this narrative fit within its self-appointed timeline is unclear and largely makes little difference - Crimp is so in control of her story I was more than happy to follow wherever she led. Recommended.

I have to admit the form of some of this book took me a while to get into. The lack of capital letters drew my attention away from the story initially but once I got used to it, there was no stopping me.
A very interesting and complicated relationship unfolds here and so much is unsaid. I always wanted to know more. I like the way it actively brings up feminism and has challenging conversations that women face within the book. It clever, razor sharp and makes you think.
Being an opera fan too, this element also interested me.

A Very Nice Girl by Imogen Crimp is a strong debut novel about a young woman struggling with her career and relationships and how to navigate her life.

This book is tender, profound and devastating, whilst being witty, droll and unflinching. An incredibly exciting new author.