Ghosts

Ghosts by Dolly Alderton. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9780241434543.

Nina Dean has arrived at her early thirties as a successful food writer with loving friends and family, plus a new home and neighbourhood. When she meets Max, a beguiling romantic hero who tells her on date one that hes going to marry her, it feels like all is going to plan. A new relationship couldnt have come at a better time - her thirties have not been the liberating, uncomplicated experience she was sold. Everywhere she turns, she is reminded of time passing and opportunities dwindling. Friendships are fading, ex-boyfriends are moving on and, worse, everyones moving to the suburbs. Theres no solace to be found in her family, with a mum whos caught in a baffling mid-life makeover and a beloved dad who is vanishing in slow-motion into dementia. Dolly Aldertons debut novel is funny and tender, filled with whip-smart observations about relationships, family, memory, and how we live now.