The first time I have read a work of fiction by this author. I thought it was quite interesting.
It is primarily about a couple who have broken up. For the most part, it is told from the view of Steve. Jen has broken up with him and he's going through all the stages of break up.
This covers the story as he questions everything about himself, the relationship, past relationships, his friends. Some people are caught in the middle.
Steve is a stand-up comedian, though he's struggling to really get his career off the ground and so the plot also covers his fights to get hold of his agent, tolerating other people who are more successful than him and how he tries to write new material.
The title, Good Material, has more than one meaning. Is Steve good relationship material? Can he write good material for the stage.
We do also get Jens side of the story. It covers a much smaller chunk of the book and we sort of get her story in fast forward. Her childhood, everything to do with growing up, figuring herself out, how and why she got into a relationship with Steve and how that relationship altered from her view and why she decided to end everything.
It wasn't easy from either side.
Feminism plays its part. In many ways.
From what I remember of Dolly Alderton's biographical works, she has based a few things on her own experiences. How it feels to watch all her friends marry, have kids and no longer be available for nights out. Adapting to new situations, what it's like to be in a relationship, and getting out of a relationship. As well as what she knows about things in the world of writing and performances.
I enjoyed the book. Dolly Alderton is a good writer, she knows how to put words together and not to be too obvious, or boring.
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