Review | Such a Fun Age

Alix (ahhh leeeks) has turned her childhood fondness for writing letters into an empire, with an Insta following to boot. Her family has recently relocated to support her husband’s job, but her heart (and insta) are still in NYC.

In walks Emira, Alix’s babysitter, like a breath of fresh air…and a new ‘project’ for Alix to help ‘fix’. Emira at almost 26 feels aimless and adrift. While her friends are moving up the career ladder, she hasn’t settled on what she wants to be when she grows up.

One night amid a family crisis, Emira is called upon to take Briar to a ‘very white’ grocery store, where she is accosted by the security guard, who doesn’t believe she’s babysitting. At this point, you think you know where this one is going to go. But you’re probably wrong 😁.

I enjoyed this book. The pacing was good throughout, which made me furiously keep turning the pages to find out what happened next. The social commentary and the juxtaposition between Emira’s life and friends vs Alix’s was on point. Alix is at pains to show that she’s not a ‘regular’ frumpy mum, but it comes off as forced and just embarrassing. The book also explores issues of white privilege and saviourism, and the dynamics this places across different relationships.

The love and understanding between Emira and Briar brought tears to my eyes on multiple occasions. They were really the standout characters for me in this book.

And now; Alix. I really disliked Alix. Right from the start. She just grated on me on so many levels – in her friendships, relationships, career and as a parent. I did not care for her one bit and was on tenterhooks hoping karma would come back and bite her in the ass! And maybe that’s the point! Overall, a clever and entertaining read. .
I’d love to know whether liking/disliking a character ever impacts on your overall enjoyment of a book?

Thanks to Netgalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for the ARC of this book. This is out today!