5 Answers2026-03-14 21:12:27
The ending of 'Exciting Times' is this beautifully ambiguous moment where Ava, the protagonist, is caught between Julian and Edith. After all the emotional turbulence—Julian's aloofness, Edith's warmth—Ava finally makes a choice, but it's not spelled out in big letters. She leaves Hong Kong, but the destination feels secondary. What struck me was how Naoise Dolan nails the internal conflict—Ava's growth isn't about grand gestures but tiny, aching realizations. The last scene with the taxi ride is so quiet yet loaded; you almost hold your breath wondering if she's running toward something or away. It's the kind of ending that lingers because it refuses to tie things up neatly, mirroring how messy real decisions are.
I love how Dolan plays with silence in the narrative. Ava's voice is so distinct—wry, self-deprecating, yet deeply vulnerable. The ending doesn't need fireworks because the real drama was always in her head. That final phone call? Perfectly unsettling. It leaves you debating whether Ava's learned anything or just swapped one dependency for another. The book’s strength is in making you root for her while cringing at her choices—it’s like watching a friend you adore make questionable moves.
4 Answers2026-03-14 04:53:06
I totally get the urge to find free reads—budgets can be tight, and books pile up fast! While I adore 'Exciting Times' (Naoise Dolan’s wit is chef’s kiss), it’s tricky to find legit free copies online. Publishers usually keep new-ish titles behind paywalls, but libraries are your best friend! Apps like Libby or OverDrive let you borrow ebooks legally with a library card. Sometimes, indie bookstores or publishers run limited-time free promotions too, so keeping an eye on their socials helps.
If you’re desperate, you might stumble on shady sites offering pirated versions, but honestly? The quality’s often garbage—missing pages, weird formatting. Plus, supporting authors matters. Dolan’s sharp dialogue deserves proper typesetting! Maybe try a used paperback or an ebook sale if libraries don’t have it. Worth the wait, I promise.
4 Answers2026-03-14 15:48:55
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.
4 Answers2026-03-14 15:26:32
The protagonist of 'Exciting Times' is Ava, a young Irish expat navigating life in Hong Kong. She's this fascinating blend of self-doubt and sharp wit, constantly analyzing her relationships with Julius, a wealthy British banker, and Edith, a charismatic Hong Kong lawyer. What I love about Ava is how her internal monologue feels so authentic—she overthinks every interaction, yet her dry humor keeps it from feeling heavy. The way she oscillates between Julius and Edith isn't just about romance; it's this layered exploration of identity, privilege, and belonging.
Naoise Dolan writes Ava with such precision that her awkwardness becomes endearing. There's a scene where she practices conversations in her head that had me cackling in recognition. The book's brilliance lies in how Ava's passivity gradually gives way to self-awareness, especially in her dynamic with Edith. Their relationship crackles with tension—linguistic, cultural, and emotional—making Ava's journey far more compelling than your typical love triangle.
5 Answers2026-03-14 19:10:23
I adored 'Exciting Times' for its sharp wit and messy, relatable characters—it’s one of those books that lingers. If you’re craving something with a similar vibe, 'Normal People' by Sally Rooney is a must. Both explore the complexities of relationships with a keen eye for emotional nuance, though Rooney’s prose is more minimalist. 'Conversations with Friends' also fits, especially if you enjoy flawed protagonists navigating love and self-discovery.
For a darker but equally immersive take, try 'My Year of Rest and Relaxation' by Ottessa Moshfegh. The protagonist’s detachment and dark humor echo Ava’s voice in 'Exciting Times,' though Moshfegh’s story leans into surreal self-destruction. If you’re after the Hong Kong setting, 'The Piano Teacher' by Janice Y.K. Lee offers a different but equally atmospheric backdrop, with colonial tensions simmering beneath the surface.