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Exciting Times

Longlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction 2021
By Naoise Dolan
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3.21 goodreads logo

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Check link for latest rating. ( 73,776 ratings, 9,032 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
Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan is a witty exploration of relationships and identity through the eyes of Ava, a young Irish expat living in Hong Kong. The story delves into her interactions and entanglements with a suave banker, Julian, and a charming lawyer, Edith, as she navigates love, power, and self-discovery. Dolan's sharp prose and keen observations captivate readers with a blend of humour and introspection.
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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?

You might enjoy this book if you're intrigued by sharp, witty explorations of love, identity, and the complex dance of modern relationships. Set amidst the vibrant backdrop of Hong Kong, it delves into the intricacies of class, language, and yearning, offering a fresh and acerbic perspective that fans of contemporary fiction will find captivating.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Naoise Dolan explodes onto the scene with Exciting Times, a slyly humorous and scorchingly smart modern love story

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
'The book of the summer' The Times 'A sharp, smart, witty modern love story. I loved it' David Nicholls 'Likely to fill the Sally-Rooney-shaped hole in many readers' lives' Irish Times 'Droll, shrewd and unafraid' Hilary Mantel 'I've been pushing Exciting Times on everyone I know' Observer 'A frankly sensational book' Pandora Sykes

When you leave Ireland aged 22 to spend your parents' money, it's called a gap year. When Ava leaves Ireland aged 22 to make her own money, she's not sure what to call it, but it involves:

  • a badly-paid job in Hong Kong, teaching English grammar to rich children;
  • Julian, who likes to spend money on Ava and lets her move into his guest room;
  • Edith, who Ava meets while Julian is out of town and actually listens to her when she talks;
  • money, love, cynicism, unspoken feelings and unlikely connections.

Exciting times ensue.

'I found myself purring with pleasure. ...This is comic writing at the highest level' Craig Brown, Daily Mail 'Very funny, extremely sharp, insightful and raw' Observer 'Fiercely intelligent, brutally funny and written with such heart' Nathan Filer 'As brilliant as everyone says! I devoured it' Marian Keyes 'A dazzling debut' Evening Standard 'The funniest writer you will read this year' Irish Independent 'Fantastic' Metro 'Constant fun' Telegraph 'I savoured every shrewd line' Dazed

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?

Naoise Dolan's debut novel is a sharp, witty exploration of modern love, privilege, and identity. It's been highly praised for its intelligent humour, incisive social commentary, and the way it captures the emotional nuances of millennial relationships. Critics have drawn comparisons to Sally Rooney and highlighted Dolan's distinct voice, commending her ability to intertwine biting wit with heartfelt observations. The novel promises a compelling story of a Hong Kong-based love triangle, appealing to readers who appreciate caustic, insightful writing.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781474613460

Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 04 March 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Weidenfeld & Nicolson

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 194.0mm

Height: 124.0mm

Weight: 262g

Pages: 288

Collections

Contemporary Romance Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Naoise Dolan Romance

About the Author

Naoise Dolan is an Irish writer born in Dublin. She studied at Trinity College, followed by a master's in Victorian literature at Oxford. She writes fiction, essays, criticism and features for publications including the London Review of Books, the Guardian and Vogue. Naoise's debut novel Exciting Times was published by W&N in the UK and by Ecco in the US in 2020, and became a Sunday Times bestseller, widely translated and optioned for TV. She has been shortlisted and longlisted for several prizes, including the Women's Prize for Fiction, the Dylan Thomas Prize and the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award.

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