So while the storyline and characters didn't do it for me, I'm interested to see what Dolan puts out next. Avas character provides us with biting social commentary. Exciting Times, Naoise Dolan - Review - Besos, Betty Noting that the school hires only white people, she remarks: Like sharks teeth, teachers dropped out and were replaced. From the jump, Ava approaches the world with cleareyed humor. "Exciting Timesfollows 22-year-old Ava as she leaves Ireland to teach in Hong Kong. I love the unconventional, the interpersonal, the relatable *but not talked about,* and this book had all of that and more. Behind Ryles veneer of civility are his jealousy and resentment. Are they as insensitive and indifferent as they seem to the foreign city they call home? . Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published. Exciting Times: A Novel - Naoise Dolan - Google Books Unfortunately, Dolans superficial evocation of the island is conjured mostly through Instagram latte art geotagged on fashionable streets. You didnt likeNormal Peopleor are not a fan of Sally Roonys writing style (like, I readNormal Peoplea year ago and still am unsure how I feel), 2. Exciting Times is a sad, yet hopeful coming of age story set in a Hong Kong immediately recognizable to the many expats like Julian, Ava and globalized locals like Edith who end up there. Related Post: Why You Should Buy a Kindle I know everyone says this, but there are so many similarities I saw between this andNormal People. @book_gal. The style is detached and detaching in an interesting way but if you like sinking teeth into a narrative this is not for you. However, this isnt anotherNormal Peopleand dont expect it to be. "Gaydars . BookBrowse seeks out and recommends the best in contemporary fiction and nonfictionbooks that not only engage and entertain but also deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Its something I appreciate in memoirs and also in literary fiction. Exciting Times : A Novel [PDF] PDF Under: Categories eBooks & Readings. But now theyre co-parenting a daughter, Emerson, who's almost a year old. A heartbroken scientist searching for a cure finds a second chance at fatherhood when one of his test subjectsa pigdevelops the capacity for human speech. Naoise Dolan - Wikipedia With a similar rhythm of detachment and sparsity found in Rooney and Ottessas writing, I can see why comparisons are being drawn, and I dont think this comparison does Dolan any disservice. Its the closest well ever come to telepathy: she realises Edith is thinking about her at that moment, and it changes everything. "Aimless Ava moves from Dublin to Hong Kong looking to find purpose for her life. - Exciting Times [ Book Description ] When you leave Ireland aged 22 to spend your parents' money, it's called a gap year. Identity Politics and the English Language: Naoise Dolan's Exciting Times Eileen was six years older than me. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. She's a young Irish woman, after all, and she'd written a . She creates her own isolation, whilst being envious of those who are not lonely. @cc_bookclub, "There is definitely some exciting fiction coming out of Ireland and it's hard not to compare this book to Sally Rooney's work. Read an excerpt from Danielle Prescod's new memoir, here, then dive in with us throughout the month. Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan, review: a wily, caustic debut novel It finds her teaching English while abroad and indecisive about two lovers. But on this occasion, its more than just a question of biography: Dolans writing does genuinely occupy similar territory. Millennials floundering in the realms of the heart. Ava is constantly trying to make sense of her situation by framing it in terms of identity: does sleeping with Julian make her a bad feminist? - Hilary Mantel. A refreshingly wry and insightful debut." Naoise Dolan's Exciting Times drew instant comparisons to Sally Rooney's Conversations with Friends (2017) and Normal People (2019)perhaps because Dolan and Rooney are both brilliant Irish . Judy Blume, edited by Naoise Dolan's debut novel, Exciting Times shares a lot of similarities to Sally Rooney's Normal People (and shades of Conversations with Friends). Naoise Dolan has been compared to Sally Rooney, and I definitely think fans ofConversations With Friendsmay like this one more than I did!" @bookish_molly. However, as a TEFL teacher, Ava struggles with a myriad of contemplative problems and inner issues as she comes to terms with her feelings for both Julian and Edith. Exciting Times Literary Hub You get annoyed when a book includes references to politics/political issues/cultural references and you have NO IDEA what they mean (lots of info on politics in Ireland and Hong Kong, neither of which I knew OR cared to Google), While this style is definitely not for me, if you were a fan ofNormal PeopleandEleanor Oliphant,I can see you really enjoying this read and encourage you to try. Julian, her posh banker boyfriend, has such an apartment which is just as well, since he also has an arrogance to match his salary. My main problem was Ava. Exciting Times on the way with Bridgerton's Phoebe Dynevor set for new With Ava still living in Julians apartment, she and Edith fall into a quick friendship that evolves into a relationship. (I mean, I love them both and what good company to be in! I cant believe it was written so geniously by someone so young. Dolan is particularly good at capturing the way men talk to women whom they mistakenly think are not as smart as they are. Offline, shes likely watching a Heat game or finding a new coffee shop. Here goes apologies if this review gets a bit ranty. When Julian leaves for London on an extended work project, Ava meets Edith, a Hong Kong local and ambitious lawyer. It seemed farcical that I even needed to explain to Edith . More Books, Published Jun 2020 Youre not a fan of unreliable narrators (hiit me), 3. Some will find Ava absolutely intolerable and insufferable and won't be able to finish the first 25 pages. Who said I liked you? he counters. She is also obsessive and over-analytical in her thoughts about both Julian and Edith. 3.79. You liked the writing style ofNormal People. It reads fairly quickly and isnt long, so would make a great summer poolside story!" And sometimes youre just not sure anything looks good and nothing quite fits right. Since the content is visually instructed, it creates excitement in learning by the users and improves the retention rate to a greater extent which . [5] Dolan obtained an English degree from Trinity College Dublin in 2016 [6] [2] and later a Master's in Victorian literature from Oxford University. Im sorry. Given my absolute adoration of Rooney, its no surprise I loved this debut by a writer who counts Rooney as an inspiration and mentor. The book is perfect for those who wants to read contemporary, lgbt books. Get help and learn more about the design. Margaret Verble is the author of several previous novels, including. @bookcrazyblogger. I really enjoyed this novel and would recommend if you want to read something thats not the normal style." She said "completely" a lot and usually dropped the "t" in the middle. Exciting Times is her first novel, an excerpt from which was published in The Stinging Fly by Sally Rooney. @readtotheend. Ava is positioned for a quarter life crisis. va, a 22-year-old Dubliner living in Hong Kong, describes herself as good at men. Find books by time period, setting & theme, Read-alike suggestions by book and author. . Book Club | Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan | April 2021 Dolan encapsulates this in a perfect image near the end of Exciting Times, when Ava is tensely watching the three little dots on her messaging app: Edith is typing reads her screen. Rooney writes more stream of consciousness and this is more tightly bound, but the emotions and ways of being felt so similar." [4] She identifies as queer. June 2, 2020. Stars = 4 / 5. Dolans writing is extremely sharp both cutting and tart but there are places where it feels overly cynical. Naoise Dolan'sExciting Times (opens in new tab)drew instant comparisons to Sally Rooney'sConversations with Friends (opens in new tab)(2017) andNormal People (opens in new tab)(2019)perhaps because Dolan and Rooney are both brilliant Irish writers who instill a dry sense of humor in their characters. This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers. She also launched and managed the sites virtual book club, #ReadWithMC. BookBrowse LLC 1997-2023. It was ok, but I was disappointed and wanted a little more." Who said I liked you? he counters. The following is excerpted from Naoise Dolan's debut novel, Exciting Times, an excerpt of which was published in The Stinging Fly by Sally Rooney. An entire novel in this vein might become wearing, but Dolan takes her narrative to a new level when she brings in a character Ava actually likes: Edith, a local who went to boarding school in England. Im not sure how many of you will actually love this novel. She has been short-listed and long-listed for several prizes, including the Women's Prize for Fiction, the Dylan Thomas Prize, and the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award.She lives in Berlin. But Caitlin, whose own demons have been hinted at, will not be so lucky. Your ultimate guide to the (arguably) best film genre: the romantic comedy. A widowed painter and her teenaged . The prose is interesting; the way Dolan writes the dialogue is natural; the conversations back home with family felt real in a way that many writing about calling home don't. When Naoise Dolan 's debut novel Exciting Times was released last year, she was swiftly earmarked as the " next Sally Rooney ". "exciting Times" "naoise Dolan" Teaching Resources | TPT by Heavily influenced by Sally Rooneys Normal People in terms of the tiresome indecisiveness of committing to a relationship, its as if Exciting Times is just Normal People set in China with some extra LGBT content packed in. I rolled my eyes a few times. Dolan was born in Dublin, Ireland. @thereaderignites. Exciting Times By: Naoise Dolan. I dove right in and read from beginning to end, and now Im giving thanks that such a book exists in the worldlight, sweet, sad, true. Books that read fast, cut fluff, and get to the point are your jam. Her relationships are dysfunctional and we see her repeatedly make choices that we know (or think we know) are wrong for her. Ava eventually comes to recognise that her cynicism is the protective garb of youth, but it is something the book also struggles to shrug off. I know it's frustrating that any new young female writer must find themselves compared to Sally Rooney. Condition - Very Good. If Sally Rooney couldn't write, was more cynical and forgot everything about subtlety and realistic characterisation and dialogue. But the intellectual aura inserted across the novel felt taut and occasionally reaching. I worried this might endanger our friendship, but so far it seemed to be facilitating it., Their friendship eventually moves through phases of awkward flirtation into a romantic affair, taking place mostly in Julians apartment, and in secret, as Edith is not out to her parents. The fact that Naoise Dolan is being touted as "the new Sally Rooney" is nothing short of an insult to Rooney's work. NY 10036. Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan - 9781474613453 - Book Depository Exciting Times. None of the English-speaking characters seek to venture beyond their established social circles, where even brief references to elections or the conditions of domestic workers are dismissed as white savior-ish. They barely notice the Chinese characters on street signs, let alone try to understand them. An exquisitely rendered portrait of a unique father-daughter relationship and a moving memoir of family and identity. Ahead, we're showcasing the best fashion and beauty looks you can recreate now. Its good to know thats how I behave in this situation.. Always fun reading the #readwithmc selection!" Subscribe to receive some of our best reviews, "beyond the book" articles, book club info and giveaways by email. She is in a constant battle of inner conflicttotal social apathy, whilst silently scathing of her prejudiced workplace. Were glad you found a book that interests you! Nine months later, out popped their new child known asExciting Times. Travel Book Review: Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan - The Happy Days Travels Edith has much in common with Julian: an Oxbridge pedigree and a high-powered, high-paying job. Telling neither the full truth about the other, Ava finds herself falling in love with Edith. , Something small I enjoyed was the depiction of Ava's queerness. 3.5 out of 5 stars 3.7 out of 5.0 5 Stars . Naoise Dolan is an Irish novelist. Now I know what the phrase razor sharp wit really means. 40+ in stock. They trip her up and get in the way. D I S C L A I M E RThese are all just my own opinion on the book. The dark and light sides of friendship breathlessly explored in a novel best saved for summer beachside reading. With Julian away, the women bond and Ava must interrogate herself over a whole new range of feelings. RELEASE DATE: May 8, 1998. Naoise Dolan will be an auto-buy for me in the future." She's sharing an Airbnb with roomies that don't like her. This model of relationship-as-power-struggle is hardly new, but Dolan brings a fresh 21st-century sensibility to it. At some point, the millennial-ness of it all became too much for me and I felt my eyes glaze over a bit. Exciting Times a book by Naoise Dolan - Bookshop Like Rooney, Dolan writes in a deadpan style. I like cool detached styling, I like complex unlikeable protagonists, I like dissections of class, I like explorations of sexuality. Do you take delight in words like "gormless"? This month we are discussing. @brigittesbookshelf, "Lovers of Sally Rooney will absolutely devour this book. It all adds up to a bracing, refreshing first novel, with hints of greater things to come. In a novel where human connection is such a challenge, these flickering pixels provide one of the most affecting and powerful moments. Absent the textures of a real city that is sharply divided along generational, ideological and class lines, Dolans novel could have taken place in any other major Asian metropolis. In Exciting Times, Naoise Dolan's debut novel, the characters have better problems than most of us do. Politically alert, heartbreakingly raw, and dryly funny, Exciting Times is thrillingly attuned to the great freedoms and greater uncertainties of modern love. The answer Exciting Times seems to offer is yes, in this case they are just as shallow and myopic as one would assume. On a sentence level the novel delivers one perfect zinger after another. Until she got pregnant at fifteen, she'd . Amazon.com: Exciting Times: A Novel: Dolan, Naoise: Books Ava is pulled into the orbit of wealthy, privileged banker Julian who comes from London. Stories so good, you won't need a bookmark. I could see it forever, for us: walking through cities, laughing at things that werent that funny. When Julian tells her hes returning to Hong Kong, she must navigate the precarious situation shes inadvertently created. @thefamilybookshelf, "Exciting Timesis a sharp, character-driven story about the complicated relationships of three 20-somethings.. If you love prose sprinkled with sarcasm, characters who could use some serious self-improvement, and complicated love stories, thenExciting Timeswill likely appeal to you. Exciting Times, which was acquired in a seven-way bidding war, more than lives up to the . When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The story of how this casual invitation turns the two girls into what they call "Summer sisters" is prefaced with a prologue in which Vix is asked by Caitlin to be her matron of honor. Trouble signing in? Spare by Prince Harry and Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld: The biggest new books of 2023,Expect a reading frenzy for Prince Harry's memoir to kick off a year that also sees releases from 'Exciting Times' author Naoise Dolan and 'Open Water' writer Caleb Azumah Nelson Tags: culture inews.co.uk uconn edu A gut-punch of a novel about a Cherokee child removed from her family and sent to a Christian boarding school in the 1950s. Lily wont send Emerson to her fathers house overnight until shes old enough to talkSo she can tell me if something happensbut she doesnt want to fight for full custody lest it become an expensive legal drama or, worse, a physical fight. Though the wedding briefly revives Vixs old feelings for Bru, whom Caitlin is marrying, Vix is soon in love with Gus, another old summer friend, and a more compatible match. This book may be short, but it packs a huge punch. Every time she typed out a note in her phone to send to the other characters, only to delete it, my soul died a little. In between, Lily and Atlas steal away for romantic moments that are even sweeter for their authenticity as Lily struggles with child care, breastfeeding, and running a business while trying to find time for herself. About the author (2020) Naoise Dolan is an Irish writer born in Dublin. There are intimate moments here, even if they do occur at one remove. Ava makes it her mission to get him to admit some feelings for her, purely because it would give her the upper hand. ISBN: 9781474613446. (Ecco, 256 pp., $16.99.) By contrast, Avas written correspondences social media posts and emails she labors over, analyzes, doesnt send or sends by accident become increasingly vulnerable in their disclosures as the book moves along. Exciting Times (Dolan) Summary Guide - LitLovers The story is told through Avas eyes and she often diverges on topics, which are not always explained. After a local waiter replies to her English greeting in Cantonese, an irritated Edith points out one of Avas blind spots: Youre not noticing because youre white, she says, people see me and assume Im from here. Edith might let Ava off the hook, but why should todays reader do the same? Dolan writes about some of the social and political changes happening on the island, and its really interesting to consider this novel a time capsule for some of the last, perhaps, 'golden years' of the Anglo-European expat life in Hong Kong. Exciting Times: A Novel - Naoise Dolan - Google Books Genre: Literary Fiction [2] She experienced homophobic bullying in school.