“Dolly Alderton captures heartbreak with the kind of honesty and humor that makes you nod along in painful recognition. Andy’s journey through post-breakup purgatory is both hilarious and deeply sad. The novel perfectly encapsulates that moment when you realize love isn’t enough, no matter how much you wish it were. The dual perspectives add an extra layer of nuance, making it impossible to see either Andy or Jen as the ‘villain.’ Instead, Alderton presents a raw, realistic portrait of love lost. It’s witty, sharp, and devastating in all the best ways.”

“While Good Material excels in Alderton’s signature humor and keen observations about relationships, it doesn’t break new ground in the realm of breakup novels. Andy’s voice is engaging, but at times, his self-pity feels indulgent. The novel’s biggest strength is its exploration of gender dynamics in modern relationships—how men and women process heartbreak differently. However, the pacing drags in parts, and some of the secondary characters feel underdeveloped. Fans of Alderton’s previous work will likely enjoy it, but it may not resonate as deeply with those looking for a more layered, unpredictable narrative.”

“”Good Material” firmly positions Dolly Alderton within the lineage of contemporary relationship fiction writers like Nick Hornby, offering a witty and insightful examination of modern love and loss, specifically from the male perspective. Andy, the heartbroken comedian protagonist, serves as an effective vessel for exploring the nuances of post-breakup masculinity in the 21st century. Alderton adeptly blends laugh-out-loud humor, often derived from Andy’s professional lens as a comedian observing life’s absurdities, with genuine moments of pathos and vulnerability. The novel effectively captures the specific textures of contemporary dating – the reliance on apps, the awkward encounters, the performance involved. Unlike some breakup narratives that might solely focus on wallowing, Alderton uses Andy’s profession to add a layer of meta-commentary on processing pain through performance. The portrayal of male friendships as a support system, albeit a flawed one, adds another dimension often seen in the genre. While the plot follows a recognizable arc of heartbreak, confusion, and tentative steps towards recovery, Alderton’s sharp prose and relatable characterization keep it fresh. It’s less about the ‘will they/won’t they’ and more about the internal journey of processing loss when you genuinely don’t understand what went wrong. For readers seeking smart, funny, and emotionally resonant contemporary fiction that speaks to the current relationship landscape, “Good Material” delivers convincingly.”

“Dolly Alderton’s Good Material is an intelligent, thoughtful exploration of the nature of relationships—how they evolve, unravel, and leave us forever changed. The novel is filled with her signature wit and clever dialogue, but what stands out most is its quiet wisdom. Through Andy’s perspective, Alderton examines the way men often struggle to articulate their emotions, while Jen’s storyline subtly dismantles the idea that breakups are simple matters of right and wrong. The writing is crisp, the humor is perfectly timed, and the emotional depth lingers long after the last page. A poignant, perceptive novel.”