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Odd Hours

The hilarious and razor-sharp social comedy that you can't put down!
3.36 goodreads logo

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( 765 ratings, 124 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
Odd Hours by Ania Bas follows Gosia, a young woman navigating the unpredictable landscape of work and relationships while trying not to lose her sense of self. Set in a small town, Gosia's life becomes a series of humorous and reflective encounters, exploring the nuances of daily life and the absurdities faced in pursuit of stability and contentment. The story captures the essence of how life's odd moments can lead to self-discovery and unexpected connections.
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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 enjoy stories about urban life that explore the mundane yet profound moments of everyday existence. The author's sharp observational skills and distinctive narrative voice create a rich tapestry of inner city experiences, making it a thoughtful read for anyone interested in the subtle complexities of modern life.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A rare and timely look at life as a young adult from an immigrant background living in London, based on the author's own experiences of years in flatshares, low paid jobs and encounters with xenophobia. A razor sharp, darkly funny and intimate coming-of-age novel for fans of Naoise Dolan, Dolly Alderton and Louise Nealon.

A rare and timely look at life as a young adult from an immigrant background living in London, based on the author's own experiences of years in flatshares, low paid jobs and encounters with xenophobia. A razor sharp, darkly funny and intimate coming-of-age novel for fans of Naoise Dolan, Dolly Alderton and Louise Nealon.

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

'This wove a spell on me' — Marian Keyes

'F*ing brilliant' — Daisy May Cooper

___________

Meet Gosia.

She's a sensitive soul with a filthy mind and problems with intimacy.

Between shifts in a well-lit budget supermarket and nights in a badly lit Zone 3 flatshare, she spends hours inside her own head. That is, until a chance encounter snaps her out of her reverie.

Propelled into a series of mediocre jobs, lousy dates and even worse sex, the prickly yet warm-hearted Gosia begins her excavation of the 'perfect' life so many dream of.

After all, could there be more to it than she imagined?

Raw, funny, mean and moving, Odd Hours is a razor-sharp social comedy about human connection, unexpected happiness, and the many forms of love.

___________

'A hymn to normality and an absolute joy to read' — Sarah May

'Compelling, surprising, funny' — Kate Sawyer

'Bas writes so well about that state of being young and trying so hard to make connections' — Marianne Levy

'Dark, sharply funny and utterly rewarding ... Reminded me of the brilliant books by Kirsty Capes ... Highly recommended' — Liz Hyder

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?

Odd Hours by Ania Bas is praised for its dark yet sharply funny narrative, drawing comparisons to Kirsty Capes' work. It's described as enigmatic, quirky, and original, capturing the trials of youth and the struggle for connections. The book is also lauded as a brilliant satire on the zero-hours work sector, marking an impressive debut.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781802793581

Publisher: Headline Publishing Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 08 June 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Mountain Leopard Press

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 30.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 340g

Pages: 488

About the Author

Ania Bas grew up in Poland and moved to the UK 15 years ago to pursue a career in the arts. She has worked with Tate, Whitechapel Gallery and others as a socially engaged artist and arts organiser, working directly with disadvantaged communities to help them have their voices heard and realities understood. She began writing Odd Hours on the Faber Academy 'Writing a Novel' course. It is inspired by her early experiences in the UK: as a tenant in an eight-person house share (with one bathroom), years in low-paid jobs, and multiple encounters of xenophobia.

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