not to be dramatic but this book spoke to my soul on a cellular level.
The vibes
book / candle / glasses / wine glass / eyeshadow /lip gloss / bow
“Being a heterosexual woman who loved men meant being a translator for their emotions, a palliative nurse for their pride and a hostage negotiator for their egos.”
― Dolly Alderton, Ghosts
The review
Ghosts starts with our main character Nina’s 32nd birthday (creepy, because I started this one the day after my 32nd birthday). She decides now is the time to start dating. Her best friend Lola has been on the apps for years at this point and helps her navigate the ocean of fboys, ghosts, etc. while trying her hand at dating, she also juggles her next book she’s writing, a particularly tough patch with her friend who’s in her suburban mum phase, and her dad’s deteriorating health. Sure, why not add a whirlwind — and ultimately disappointing — romance to the mix.
I read and obsessed over Dolly’s memoir earlier this year, and was so excited to read her novel. I had NO clue how close to home it would hit. Just like the memoir, Dolly’s writing is so dang whip smart and relatable and HILARIOUS while being so profound. how the heck does she do it?!
This book has so many things that are key to womanhood in your 30s — evolving friendships, modern dating, aging parents, navigating adulthood, lousy neighbors, home ownership (lol can’t relate to that one yet), and more. I want all my single friends to read it — but maybe more importantly my married friends so they can have some window into my soul lol.
Reading this was gutting, validating, entertaining, and absolutely enjoyable. Cannot recommend enough!
BookNerdalie 