Good Material

by Dolly Alderton

From the New York Times best-selling author of Ghosts and Everything I Know About a story of heartbreak and friendship and how to survive both.

Andy loves Jen. Jen loved Andy. And he can't work out why she stopped.

Now he is . . .

Without a home

Waiting for his stand-up career to take off

Wondering why everyone else around him seems to have grown up while he wasn't looking

Set adrift on the sea of heartbreak, Andy clings to the idea of solving the puzzle of his ruined relationship. Because if he can find the answer to that, then maybe Jen can find her way back to him. But Andy still has a lot to learn, not least his ex-girlfriend's side of the story . . .

In this sharply funny and exquisitely relatable account of romantic disaster and friendship, Dolly Alderton offers up a love story with two endings, demonstrating once again why she is one of the most exciting writers today and the true voice of a generation.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary, Book Club, Literary Fiction, Adult

354 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 7, 2023

About the author

Dolly Alderton is an award-winning author and journalist. She is a columnist for The Sunday Times Style and has also written for GQ, Red, Marie Claire and Grazia. From 2017 to 2020, she co-hosted the weekly pop-culture and current affairs podcast The High Low alongside journalist Pandora Sykes.

Her first book Everything I Know About Love became a top five Sunday Times bestseller in its first week of publication and won a National Book Award for Autobiography of the Year. Her first novel Ghosts was published in October 2020 and was also a top five Sunday Times Bestseller.

Reviews

[Paige Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5.

WHAT. A. MASTERPIECE.

I have lots to say about this book but I’ll keep it to the briefs.

1. Dolly Alderton is one of the only women I have ever encountered that writes women’s fiction without hating women. By this I mean, this book is written mostly from the perspective of a man grieving a horrific breakup that, in all honestly, would drive nearly anyone into a deep, dark madness that they may/may not ever completely recover from. But the most compelling part of this story is that Dolly manages to take the reader through the mania, the bargaining, and the desperation of searching for control in a situation that you did not choose to be in, and she does it without making us hate the woman who has caused the breakup.

2. I think it was very important to have a section from Jen’s perspective at the end of the book. It gives so much clarification to much of the breakup, and pulls the reader from the typical pedestalization of a protagonist that inevitably occurs in fiction. Andy is not perfect. Jen is not perfect. I see bits of myself in both of them. Which, as a writer, I know is very very very difficult to accomplish. The complexity of these characters on such a molecular level is stunning and inspiring, to say the least.

3. Finally, a shoutout for womanhood. Jen’s struggle with wanting to exist outside of a relationship and the implication that all women want to have marriages and children struck such a chord to me, as someone who is learning to be in relationships with men while hating being in relationships with men and planning a life without knowing if I ever want to be a mother.

Dolly, you are, as always, my literary hero.

[Alyssa Trigg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Being stuck inside the head of a 35 year old man with the emotional bandwidth of a teaspoon is truly the seventh circle of hell. I liked every single character in this book better than I liked Andy. Alas, his character was a clever satire that captures the zeitgeist of our current male dating pool. I was constantly infuriated by him and I was refreshed to finally read the last chapter in Jen’s perspective. Reading Jen’s chapter was like reading thoughts scooped out of my own brain, and Alderton deeply understands the liberation of being a woman satisfied with her own identity who views romantic relationships as add-ons to life rather than necessities.

[Mon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m sorrrrry but this was a miss for me. Just because the last 20% was good doesn’t make up for suffering through the first 80%. I hold out hopes for Dolly’s next one.

[Alex · Rating 1 out of 5]

take a photo of this book and add it to the BALD photo album because there’s not much back there

[Alyssa Silveira · Rating 5 out of 5]

men will really do anything but go to therapy

[Orla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fucking excellent. Loathed the first 200 pages - I now realise it’s because I absolutely hated the Andy character, and it was the point. Last 150 pages were a joy, couldn’t put it down. Dolly has the most unreal ability to put the female experience into such articulate writing that has you thinking ‘yes yes this!!!!!’ after every single sentence. And her acknowledgements at the end always make me cry. Love love love

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

whenever i'm sad i think about the fact that we're getting a new Dolly book this year and i instantly feel better 🥺
----
“Was this a relationship? Was this what being in love was? Is this what all my friends had accepted as their happy ever after?”

Good Material by Dolly Alderton is about 35-year-old Andy, who has just been broken up with by his longtime girlfriend, Jen.

I thought it was interesting that Dolly decided to write from the perspective of the man; however, the part that I liked the most was a glimpse of Jen's perspective of their relationship that we got in the end.

Throughout the novel, Andy was winey. He had a very “why not me?” attitude driven by ego, though he would probably argue it was driven by genuine love he experienced for the last 3 years with Jen.

Though I sympathized with Andy to an extent, and actually agreed with a lot of his feelings about breakups, it felt like everything he did was rooted in ego and the introspection or “work” he did on himself had ulterior motives to “clear his name” of any faults in the breakup, even if none of those efforts directly involved Jen.

What we learned about Jen and her feelings towards the end of their relationship resonated so much with me: how sometimes you can feel lonelier with someone, and how it is better to be single and happy than with someone who's only draining your energy.

Even if you love someone, love is not enough. Nostalgia for the good times and holding out hope for the next time you experience them should not be a reason to stay.

Not letting the fear of getting older and not finding someone more well suited to you keep you with someone who doesn't feel right is one of the strongest things someone can do - especially women, who are made to feel that by age 35 they will be nothing without a husband and children.

I really enjoyed this book, and in true Dolly fashion, it gave me lots to think about.

[Em Lost In Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were times when I wanted to thrash Andy against the wall and be done with his whining over his breakup with Jen. But I kept plodding and was rewarded in the end when Jen's PoV came. All the crying, mopping, and why Jen broke with him, who truly loved her, had some funny moments here and there. But the saving grace for me was Jen's story and why she did what she did. Loved every moment of it. Alas, she was there for only few chapters.

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Georgia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was meant to make us realise that men are just like us, but I’m more convinced of their inferiority than ever before

[Nikola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edit: 5/5 Bo strasznie dużo o niej myślę

4,25/5
Jakie to było dobre!!

[daniella ❀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

live laugh love dolly alderton! i will kiss the ground you walk on

[Kelsey (keliterate) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’d send this book to my ex but I blocked him

[Cath · Rating 4 out of 5]

okay I enjoyed this but the ending elevated this book for me I gotta say

[Sally Darr Griffin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last 40 pages made this entire book so much better, wow. I liked it the whole time...but THOSE LAST PAGES!!!!!!!! I hope her next book is from the female perspective again. Being in Andy's head was fine, but being in Jen's head is where I want to be!!!!!

Did I want any of it? Did I want to be someone's girlfriend? Was it something I could do? In my years of being single, I had said as much to friends, which was always taken as an expression of insecurity or fear. "You just haven't met the right person," they'd assure me. But, there I was, with the right person. He wasn't perfect, but I was in love with him and he was in love with me. And yet I could never really understand whether I was in a good relationship or not. I couldn't measure what the reality of long-term love was; what was settling for something when I should be asking for more.

[Mollie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
I hated the first half so much and loved the second half - and Jen’s perspective - so much. Andy is good hearted but insufferable and, hate to say it, just such a classic man. His moaning nearly led me to abandon the book but Vanessa Kirby’s Jen and the lovely plot loops at the end saved it - I thought the ending was perfect. It’s just annoying that Jen’s section felt like a different book, I wish it had been 50/50 (or 90/10 because Andy’s such a whingebag)
As always for a Dolly book, there were so many funny lines and bits. The Morris-Julian Assange story killed me. Just a bit of a mixed bag for me but like most people I loved Ghosts and Everything I Know About Love so I guess you can’t gel with EVERYTHING from one of your favourite writers

[Revie Schulz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every now and then a book comes along and wraps itself around your heart. This isn't a story, it's a human experience. I inhaled it. I won't ever forget it. And I am Dolly Alderton's new biggest fan.

Bye, I'm off to go listen to all her interviews.

[Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I had to choose one word to describe Dolly Alderton’s storytelling, I would choose insightful. She completely gets inside the heads of her characters, but not over detailed or overwhelming. It’s a clever way of sharing their emotions, and in the case of Good Material, this is a love story with two endings! Yes, two!

About the book: “From the New York Times best-selling author of Ghosts and Everything I Know About Love: a story of heartbreak and friendship and how to survive both.”

Good Material is the love story of Andy and Jen. It begins with their breakup, shared through Andy’s voice. He cannot wrap his head around why she left. Everything had been so perfect. He’s determined that if he thinks on it long and hard enough he’ll find the answer. I don’t know about you, but I’ve definitely been there. Overthinking can be really reinforcing when you are right once in a while.

Andy is a comedian, and as with Alderton’s other novels, there’s humor infused throughout. I’m not sure I’d read a breakup story from the male perspective, and I enjoyed that. I also loved how the reader hears Jen’s side of the story, or at least part of it, towards the end of the novel. It reminded me of something I’ve often thought about- everyone has a story and it’s their own truth and reality. Andy and Jen each certainly did.

I recommend Good Material to, of course, fans of rom coms. You will be delighted with this refreshing story. I also recommend it to those who aren’t quite sold on the genre because this one hits different, too. I kind of think Dolly Alderton is in a league of her own. Solid, layered characterization, clever satire, and on point insight; I highly recommend.

I received a gifted copy of the book.

Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader

[JanB · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hearing a 35 yr old man’s perspective after a break-up is an intriguing premise.

It’s important to remember we are inside of Andy’s head through most of the book. Yes he can seem whiny but who wouldn’t be thinking these thoughts after the break-up of a long term relationship? Especially when given no explanation.

Toward the end we hear Jen’s perspective, which did nothing to endear myself to her.

My thoughts after I finished:
1. It’s not ok to end a relationship without an explanation. If a man did this, he would be thrown under the bus
2. It’s 2024 people! Do not demonize women who make different choices in order to justify your own. Single vs married, child-free vs motherhood, career vs SAHM….who cares?? It’s all valid and one isn’t better than the other.

This was a buddy read with Marialyce and a complete miss for both of us!

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Deeply enjoyed the last 150 pages or so of this novel, felt so bored by much of what came before that though. In Good Material we follow 35-year-old comedian Andy, who was recently broken up with by his girlfriend. After Jen breaks up with him, Andy struggles in all sense of the word – to find a place to live, to resuscitate his failing stand up career, and to get over Jen at all. We follow him through his meandering messy life post-Jen as he tries to cope with a new fitness regime, a new situationship, and eventually maybe a new perspective on what transpired in his old relationship.

One of my favorite things about this novel was that when I finished it, I had a renewed sense of empathy for my friends going through breakups. Ending relationships, even when it’s the right move, is tough! I thought Dolly Alderton did a great job of honestly portraying the messiness of the post break-up stage.

I really did struggle to get through the first half of this novel though. For the majority of the novel we’re in Andy’s head, then we move to Jen’s for the last bit. Andy… wow. He really was a self-absorbed white man who pitied himself and had little empathy for others. It was hard to get through his perspective and I can’t help but think Alderton wrote his point of view in an intentionally annoying way. I’m still not sure how much of my “eh”-ness about the first half of the novel stemmed from Alderton making Andy intentionally unlikable versus the actual writing quality lacking a bit. The first half felt repetitive to me and I was leaning toward two to three stars max.

But, Andy does grow a little by the end of the novel which was nice to read. And I loved when the perspective shifted to Jen’s point of view. As a more femme gay man/genderqueer person who’s not into the whole get married and have kids thing, I related a lot of Jen’s perspectives and experiences. I also found the writing in Jen’s section fluid and entertaining, while still feeling grounded and convincing.

So, mixed feelings about this one. I wonder if Alderton could have done anything differently to the first half of the novel – maybe actually exploring Andy’s emotions more in-depth like with some of his father stuff? Still, after thinking about it I think I will at some point read more of her work, especially given how people in my Goodreads community seem to be a fan of hers.

[AbbysBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

OUCH OUCH OUCH

I would trust Dolly Alderton with my life and I’m convinced she can see into my soul.

[Haley Hylton · Rating 1 out of 5]

im expected to feel bad for a man…when he is just stupid…no.

[Emma Griffioen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Material by Dolly Alderton was a witty novel following amateur comedian Andy as he reenters the dating world mid-thirties after splitting with his long-term girlfriend Jen. I didn't know how much I would enjoy this book since I have never read a literary fiction/rom-com with a male main character but I really enjoyed it! Andy was funny, a little weird (in a good way), and although I have never been in his specific situation, insanely relatable. I was laughing out loud throughout the entire book and enjoyed how everything wrapped up in the end, especially with being able to read from Jen's perspective a bit. I think this book also did a great job of including realistic adult relationships and showing how they change as people get older, which is definintely one of Alderton's specialties when it comes to writing. I loved seeing Avi and Jane's relationship with both Andy and Jen after they broke up, and how supportive they were of both friends. I found Jen's perspective on her break-up with Andy to be something a lot of women struggle with, it really reminded me of Sylvia Plath's fig tree analogy. Overall, it was another win from Dolly Aldterton, I can't wait to see what she comes out with next!

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Randomhouse Canada for the advanced reader copy of Good Material by Dolly Alderton in exchange for an honest review!

[Talkincloud]

Dziesięć razy lepsze niż ostatnie powieści Sally Rooney.

[Lauren Wolf · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did I read the same book

I don’t understand how this book has so many 4 and 5 stat reviews. I also don’t understand why I finished it. Save yourself a few bucks and a few hours and read something else.

[Coco Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

was like the male perspective of Really Good Actually

[emma]

trying to be cool again

[Pam Gonçalves · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5 ⭐

✨ Resenha disponível no youtube: https://youtu.be/z5Dqjq7UQz8

Eu estava empolgada com Amar é assim. Muito empolgada! Então foi um grande balde de água fria quando comecei a ler…

A história fala sobre o Andy, um homem humorista meio falido de 35 anos, que acabou de ser dispensado pela namorada e se vê completamente sem NADA na vida. Ele não tem onde morar, não tem qualquer perspectiva de sucesso na carreira, todos os amigos já estão com suas vidas encaminhadas com filhos e empregos estáveis e ele simplesmente está lá… sem nada.

Um bom motivo para mostrar ele se reinventando, certo? Mas 90% do livro é ele sendo INSUPORTÁVEL! Ele simplesmente não tem um pingo de carisma e de intenção de deixar o leitor torcer por ele.

Eu acho que a Dolly tem uma coragem e um talento de reconhecer os detalhes dos diferentes relacionamentos contemporâneos. Eu já tinha percebido isso no primeiro livro que li dela, mas ela precisa entender que o livro tem que se conectar com o leitor de alguma forma. Não adianta deixar um fim interessante se a jornada inteira é um convite para a pessoa largar o livro e nunca mais voltar.

Uma pena.

[Eilidh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Before the last part this was going to be a 1 star review. I know you’re supposed to find the main character annoying but he was utterly insufferable. And I know enough insufferable men I don’t want to read a book 80% from their pov. I guess it’s smart to write a large part of this from the POV of a mediocre person, because it excuses the eye-rolling-y mediocre writing. Not for me.

[enzoreads · Rating 2 out of 5]

ça m’a soûlé j’étais soit pas assez millenial soit pas assez hetero pour ça