Who Is The Main Character In Exciting Times?

2026-03-14 15:26:32
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4 Answers

Mia
Mia
Active Reader Lawyer
Ava, hands down, is one of the most relatable millennial characters I've encountered. She teaches English in Hong Kong while sort of drifting through her own life, which honestly? Big mood. Her affair with Julius starts almost by accident, and her later relationship with Edith feels equally precarious. What struck me was how Dolan uses Ava's outsider status to critique expat culture—like when Ava notes how Julius's privilege lets him treat Hong Kong as temporary, while she's scrambling to belong.
2026-03-15 21:59:34
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Veronica
Veronica
Longtime Reader Journalist
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.
2026-03-16 17:39:13
3
Piper
Piper
Careful Explainer Student
Ava's voice in 'Exciting Times' is what hooked me—she's painfully self-aware yet constantly second-guessing. That scene where she Googles 'how to be gay' after meeting Edith? Iconic. Her relationships serve as mirrors: Julius reflects her financial instability, Edith her cultural displacement. Dolan crafts Ava's journey with such dry humor that even her cringe-worthy moments become endearing.
2026-03-18 06:54:02
3
Wyatt
Wyatt
Book Scout Cashier
Reading 'Exciting Times' felt like watching someone poke at their own emotional bruises, in the best way possible. Ava's the kind of character who'd text you 'lol' while having a full existential crisis. Her dynamic with Edith is particularly gripping—they communicate in this deliciously coded way, using language as both weapon and shield. I kept highlighting passages where Ava dissects their power imbalances, like how Edith's Cantonese fluency highlights Ava's own linguistic insecurity. It's rare to find a protagonist who's this observant yet still makes terrible decisions.
2026-03-19 13:27:13
5
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Is Exciting Times worth reading?

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.

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.

Who is the protagonist in Life and Times?

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The protagonist of 'Life and Times' is Michael K, a quiet, resilient gardener who becomes an accidental symbol of survival during a fictional civil war in South Africa. What's fascinating about Michael isn't just his actions—it's how his simplicity contrasts with the chaos around him. He's not a hero in the traditional sense; he’s more like a shadow slipping through cracks in society, growing vegetables in barren soil while armies clash. J.M. Coetzee crafted him as this almost mythical figure, someone who embodies endurance without grand speeches or dramatic battles. I first read the book during a rainy weekend, and Michael’s journey stuck with me because it’s so achingly human. He’s not fighting for glory but for the basic right to exist unbothered. The way he carries his mother’s ashes in a backpack, or how he reverts to near-silence, feels like a protest against systems that try to define him. It’s one of those stories where the 'hero' doesn’t win—he just persists, and somehow, that’s more powerful.

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3 Answers2025-08-19 07:47:25
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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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