4+

I really like Dolly Alderton‘s writing and this is another very well written novel. We first meet Andy when in 2019, he lists the reasons why he is not good with Jen. Yes, Andy I get it, she does sound pretty awful, but inexplicably, she breaks his heart when she dumps him. However, hold your horses, this is Andy‘s point of view so let’s just rein in the sympathy for now. The pair meet in 2015 at his best friend Ari’s birthday bash and all seems well until an ill-fated trip to Paris. Andy tells us his “progress” in a sort of journal form as he negotiates the different stages of the break up.

This is such a good read as at times it’s tender, at others it’s very amusing but throughout it is very perceptively observed. I really like the authors turns of phrase, she can be poignant but also droll, very witty and sometimes laugh out loud funny which is a clever combination as it keeps you turning pages.

The characterisation is excellent. Although Andy is definitely obsessive especially about Jen, he is so likeable. You do feel sorry for him as things in his life spin out of control but at the same time you want him to pull himself together. He needs “Dear Dolly“ though there is some wisdom imparted here often from his pals, though not necessarily when sober, and Andy comes to self realisation. Andy is a part-time stand-up comedian and there are some very lively and colourful scenes and characters around the comedy circuit and of course, it explains the title. In addition, some pub/club sections where Andy tries to laugh out or drown his sorrows, accompanied by some snappy dialogue, further entertains. It’s hard to pick out the best sections as there isn’t a dull moment, but these are perhaps some of the best in the book. Also worthy of note are Andy’s interactions with his landlord Morris to whom one act of kindness is very touching.

The last section is Jen’s point of view, whilst it may not be especially long it is very illuminating and explains a lot. I’m glad we got this as it gives a broader understanding of their relationship. The ending is extremely satisfying.

In addition to following the progress of Andy’s recovery and meeting some very good characters along the way (Ari and Jane‘s children are hilarious for example), there are some excellent music references, some hair obsessing and hair envy, some other ventures where Andy tries to reinvent his 35-year-old self, with limited success.

All in all, Dolly Alderton once again delivers in this thoroughly enjoyable and diverting read.

PS, thanks for not going too far into 2020, best forgotten.

With thanks to Penguin General UK for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Enjoyed a lot. Seeing a breakup play out from both sides of view isn’t something I’ve read before, and found it refreshing, full of so many accurate and tender observations that make you smile as you read along. Preferred this to Ghosts, and will always read anything Dolly writes!

I love Dolly Alderton’s writing, humour and wisdom. Andy feels like someone that would write in to her agony aunt page completely confused as to why his ex-girlfriend broke up with him. We follow him in the aftermath of this break up for 3/4 of the novel and, at many points, I wished that agony aunt Dolly would step in and reply to him about what he needed to do to come to terms with it in order to make the excruciating spiralling of his thoughts and actions stop. He realises his friends are sick of him and that he is also becoming sick of himself. I appreciated how astute and perfectly observed he was as a character but I was also totally sick of him too at this stage - I just wanted to shake the giant man child and hi-five Jen for dumping him. This shows how brilliant Dolly Alderton is as a writer - but I really did not enjoy some of the novel as a reading experience for this reason. I absolutely loved the last quarter when Andy is further along in the stages of a breakup and where we get Jen’s perspective on what happened. The ending is completely satisfying!

Andy and Jen have broken up after 4 years. Andy doesn't deal with this very well and the book follows a a few months of him wrestling with this.
He's kind of annoying but also quite sweet which I think is a nice balance.
The last few chapters give a different perspective and I found that really made made it a good book. It filled some gaps.

I absolutely loved this book Beautifully written & told. It will make you laugh & cry. I loved Andy & want to know what happens him next! A fantastic book that deserves 10000 stars!!