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Acts of Desperation

The must-read novel
By Megan Nolan
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3.71 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating. ( 38,216 ratings, 6,157 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Acts of Desperation by Megan Nolan delves into the intense and turbulent realm of a young woman's romantic obsession and self-discovery. The protagonist, caught in a consuming relationship, grapples with desire, dependency, and self-identity. Through evocative prose, the narrative explores the complexities of love, longing, and the emotional tumult of seeking validation through another.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're intrigued by raw, unfiltered explorations of love and self-destruction. It captures the emotional intensity and complexities of modern relationships with unwavering honesty, making it a gripping read for those who appreciate deeply introspective character studies.

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She’s twenty-three and in love with love. The affair is quickly consuming.

But this relationship is unpredictable, and behind his perfect looks is a mean streak. The search for a fix is frantic, and taking a dangerous turn…

We’re all looking to get what we want – but do we know what we need?

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A bitingly honest, darkly funny debut novel about a toxic relationship and secret female desire, from an emerging star of Irish literature.

Shortlisted for the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award

'Crushing...intensely vital' Observer

'It's impossible to tear yourself away' The Times

'Such brilliant writing about female desire...honest and visceral' Marian Keyes

She's twenty-three and in love with love. He's older, and the most beautiful man she's ever seen. The affair is quickly consuming.

But this relationship is unpredictable, and behind his perfect looks is a mean streak. She's intent on winning him over, but neither is living up to the other's ideals. He keeps emailing his glamorous ex, and she's starting to give in to secret, shameful cravings of her own. The search for a fix is frantic, and taking a dangerous turn...

We're all looking to get what we want - but do we know what we need?

Grazia Book Club Pick of the Month

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Acts of Desperation by Megan Nolan has received praise for its intelligent and courageous portrayal of a woman's self-destructive pursuit of love. Critics highlight Nolan's fierce and engaging prose, the novel's emotional depth, and its acute understanding of contemporary experiences. It has been recognised as a standout dΓ©but, capturing intense experiences with impressive clarity.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781529113013

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 January 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 203g

Pages: 288

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Megan Nolan Penguin Books

About the Author

Megan Nolan was born in 1990 in Waterford, Ireland and is currently based in New York. Her essays and reviews have been published by the New York Times, White Review, Guardian and Frieze amongst others. For her debut novel, Acts of Desperation, Nolan was the recipient of a Betty Trask Award, shortlisted for the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award and longlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize. Ordinary Human Failings was longlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction, and shortlisted for the Nero Book Award for Fiction, the Gordon Burn Prize and the RSL Encore Award.

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