Is Exciting Times Worth Reading?

2026-03-14 15:48:55
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4 Answers

Daniel
Daniel
Favorite read: Time
Book Clue Finder UX Designer
'Exciting Times' is a mood. Dolan’s writing is so crisp and observant—it feels like she’s dissecting modern love and loneliness with a scalpel. Ava’s relationships are messy and real, and the way the book explores privilege and expat life is subtle but cutting. It’s a quick read, but it lingers. If you’re in the right headspace for something smart and a little melancholic, go for it.
2026-03-15 17:03:41
10
Isla
Isla
Favorite read: Future Ahead
Ending Guesser Police Officer
I picked up 'Exciting Times' after seeing it all over Bookstagram, and honestly? It lived up to the hype. The dialogue is snappy, almost like a play, and Ava’s internal monologue is hilariously brutal. The love triangle isn’t just about romance; it’s about identity and how we perform for others. Julian, the finance bro, and Edith, the lawyer, represent different parts of Ava’s contradictions, and Dolan doesn’t let anyone off easy.

Some readers might find Ava frustrating, but that’s the point—she’s young, messy, and figuring things out. The Hong Kong setting adds this layer of transience that mirrors her emotional state. If you’re into Sally Rooney’s vibe but want something with more bite, give this a shot. It’s short but packs a punch.
2026-03-16 01:33:50
7
Rowan
Rowan
Favorite read: The Times We Had
Spoiler Watcher Driver
Naoise Dolan’s 'Exciting Times' is one of those books that sneaks up on you. At first glance, it seems like a witty, contemporary romance about expats in Hong Kong, but it’s so much more. The protagonist, Ava, is painfully relatable—her dry humor and self-awareness make her feel like someone you’d know, or maybe even recognize in yourself. The way Dolan captures the awkwardness of modern relationships, especially the power dynamics between Ava and Julian or Edith, is razor-sharp.

What really hooked me was the prose. Dolan has this knack for turning simple observations into something profound. Like when Ava dissects language or class differences, it doesn’t feel pretentious—it feels real. If you enjoy character-driven stories with a side of existential dread (but in a fun way?), this is totally worth your time. I finished it in two sittings and immediately wanted to discuss it with someone.
2026-03-17 12:53:56
1
Phoebe
Phoebe
Favorite read: Fascinated
Ending Guesser Electrician
Here’s the thing about 'Exciting Times'—it’s not for everyone, but if it clicks with you, it’ll stick. I adore how Dolan writes about the little absurdities of life, like Ava overanalyzing texts or pretending to be cooler than she is. The book’s strength is its voice: cynical yet vulnerable, clever but not showy. The romantic tension is delicious, especially between Ava and Edith, where every interaction feels charged with unspoken things.

I’ll admit, the plot isn’t action-packed, but the emotional stakes are high. It’s a book about the masks we wear and the fear of being truly seen. If you enjoy introspective, character-heavy narratives with a dry wit, you’ll likely love it. I did, and now I’m low-key jealous of anyone who gets to read it for the first time.
2026-03-19 21:39:01
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