Is Exciting Times Worth Reading?

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

Daniel
Daniel
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
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
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
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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Can I read Exciting Times online for free?

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.

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Are there books similar to Exciting Times?

8 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.

What happens at the end of Exciting Times?

7 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.

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Who is the main character in Exciting Times?

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.
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