In Good Material, Dolly Alderton uses her sharp humor and keen observations to explore the challenges of adulthood. The novel looks at the impact of family issues, the burden of unspent time, and the quest for self-identity. Moving away from her popular memoir Everything I Know About Love (Harper, 2020), Alderton's second novel skillfully mixes humor with sadness, providing a deep reflection on how our past—through relationships, loss, and physical items—shapes who we are today.

At the heart of the book is Andy Dawson, a 35-year-old stand-up comedian grappling with the emotional wreckage from a breakup and the drop of his career. Feeling caught in a cycle of frustration, he starts his journey by facing the consequences of his past. He clings to memories of love and family but feels "lost in the present", unsure of how to move forward. His character development highlights themes of masculinity and vulnerability at the same time, challenging traditional ideas about male identity as he navigates his emotions. The title, "Good Material", has a double meaning: It refers to both the actual materials in Andy's life—his memories and emotional baggage—and the metaphorical idea of "good material", representing the emotional remnants that continue to affect him.

Alderton's writing is insightful, capturing modern life's absurdities while adding tenderness that deepens the emotional experience. A key character in Andy's journey is his ex-girlfriend, Jen Hammersmith. Even though their relationship has ended, Jen's presence is felt throughout Andy's story, symbolising lost love and serving as a complex character herself. The shifts in perspective toward Jen later in the novel provide valuable insights into her reasons for breaking up with Andy, adding depth to their relationship and showing how people from our past can shape our identities. Supporting characters, like Andy's parents, also play vital parts in helping him understand himself better, revealing family dynamics that lead to his emotional struggles.

The narrative is enriched by flashbacks that reveal key moments in Andy's life, especially his father's influence, shaping his emotional journey; when his father passes away, it prompts him to return home, where he faces unresolved feelings from his past. This return serves both literal and symbolic purposes, representing Andy's desire to reconnect with his roots. Alderton uses first-person present tense throughout the narrative, which helps readers connect with Andy's internal struggles. This style immerses us in his experiences, making his journey feel immediate and relatable.

Alderton explores how physical items from our past—like personal belongings and family heirlooms—reflect our memories. The tension between nostalgia and letting go runs throughout the book. As a comedian constantly seeking new material for his acts, Andy's journey mirrors his internal struggle to sort through emotional remnants. What makes Good Material stand out is Alderton's thoughtful approach to nostalgia; Andy's relationship with his past isn't just about longing but involves a complex mix of yearning, regret, and acceptance. The novel examines how memories can deceive us while also providing comfort and sadness. Andy's journey back home represents not a return to innocence but an acceptance that the past cannot be changed—a collection of "good material" that offers solace while also holding him back.

Beyond the nostalgia, Good Material delves into healing and forgiveness—both for oneself and others. As Andy navigates relationships with family members and friends, he learns that facing emotional wounds is crucial for personal growth. This exploration adds depth to his character development and resonates with readers who face similar challenges. Alderton also includes commentary on contemporary issues like mental health awareness and the pressures of adulthood. By placing Andy's story within this broader context, she emphasises how these themes are relevant today.

Ultimately, Good Material is about facing the emotional baggage from our past—deciding what parts of ourselves are worth holding onto and which must be let go. Andy's journey reconciles contradictions: love and resentment for his family, nostalgia he can't escape, and recognition that some emotional wounds must be left behind if he wants to move forward. While themes of grief, family, and nostalgia may remind readers of other literary works, Alderton's unique voice ensures that this novel stands out. She doesn't provide easy answers but instead offers a story that feels familiar yet universally relatable—a raw exploration of how we come to terms with who we are as we confront our histories.

For those who have enjoyed Alderton's previous work, Good Material further establishes her as one of today's most insightful writers about modern life. With her blend of humor and emotional depth, she skillfully navigates the complexities of existence, showing that facing our past is an inevitable part of everyone's journey.

Rajib Rahman is a writer, reviewer, short story crafter, and design wizard. A health nut, he's all about the magic of storytelling and spreading kindness.