Ghosts: A Novel

Shortlisted for the 2021 British Book Award for Fiction DebutShortlisted for the 2021 Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for Comic FictionAn NPR Book of the Year"Ghosts is wonderful. Funny, sharply observed, poignant and full of truths about life and love and friendship." —Matt Haig, author of The Midnight Library "Ghosts is an absolute knock-out. Wickedly funny and, at turns, both cynical and sincere, Dolly Alderton's voice feels like your very favorite friend. I devoured it." —Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of Daisy Jones & The Six"A sharp-eyed debut." ―The Guardian"Alderton brings her British wit and fresh writing to online dating and all its ups and downs. Marrieds vs. singles. The unfairness of online dating for women stressed about the tick of the biological clock. Add to it the difficulties of becoming a caregiver, and what you have is a book that is a reality check for many and a solace to those who feel like they're constantly swiping right without meeting Mr. or Ms. Right." —The Washington Post "Truly hilarious." —Good Morning America "A funny, touching take on modern relationships, the struggles of adulthood and embracing life as it unfolds." —People"If you're looking for a whip-smart take on relationships, dating, and just generally getting your s–t together, [Ghosts] is the read for you." —Shondaland"A stunning achievement: I was laughing out loud, doing my best a few minutes later not to burst into tears and then angry that it had all come to an end. So moving, so funny, so beautifully written and so poignant. Brilliant." ―Stanley Tucci"There are sharply skewered set pieces, but also tender observations . . . a promising, deftly written, often entertaining and poignant debut novel." ―Sunday Times"Utter BRILLIANCE. Dolly is such an insightful commentator on love, longing, friendship and emotional landscapes. I absolutely LOVED it!" ―Marian Keyes"Ghosts is Bridget Jones's Diary for 2021. . . . A full, multifaceted picture. . . . Aside from accurately portraying the fallout of a partner ghosting you, Ghosts examines the idiosyncrasies of adult friendships—particularly those that have grown from childhood—and explores the hopelessness of watching someone you love struggle with dementia. . . . At first glance, Ghosts is another romantic comedy about dating in the digital age, but as you get further immersed into Nina's story, it reveals many beautiful and messy layers. . . . Dolly's writing will put you right into Nina's shoes, even if you’ve never been in situations quite like hers." —PopSugar"Favourite romantic comedy of the summer, Ghosts by Dolly Alderton is hilarious, heartwarming, and beautifully written." —Daily Hive"Ghosts is both a sharp, funny tale about a particularly 21st-century form of heartbreak, and a poignant and insightful look at the different ways people leave us—some with a quick left swipe and others in incremental steps over the course of years." —NPR"Ghosts is all heart and humour." —Bustle "Ghosts is sharp, witty, insightful, and incredibly tender. Alderton is a keen observer of human behavior and daringly tells a story of how we love and the lengths we go to to hold onto love. Your heart will break and you’ll laugh out loud." —BuzzFeed"The perfect no-holds-barred modern day rom-com." —Stylist"A book so relatable you'll give yourself neck ache nodding in recognition." —Grazia"[This] sprightly . . . touching debut novel by British memoirist Alderton (Everything I Know About Love) follows a cookbook author through her life's "strangest year". . . . This should hit the spot for readers of women's fiction who appreciate the familiar." —Publishers Weekly"An astonishingly assured debut. . . . Deftly observed and deeply funny, Ghosts considers where we find, and how we hold onto love with what might well be described as haunting precision." —Vogue"Witty, touching without ever being sentimental, hugely enjoyable." —David Nicholls, author of One Day"Such clever writing, wonderfully funny; fab characters and delightful details. Divine." —Nina Stibbe, author of Reasons to be Cheerful "Dolly Alderton has clearly mastered every form of writing. Which is a surprise to nobody." —Candice Carty-Williams, author of Queenie"Dolly is such a fantastic writer." —Jill Mansell, author of And Now You're Back"Like having one of those glorious girls night in, where you drink till the early hours—laughing, venting, and feeling warm and seen." —Holly Bourne, author of How Do You Like Me Now?"A millennial-driven story that's actually deeply relatable, instead of insulting. . . . With hints of Bridget Jones (though thematically more serious), and shades of a younger Nora Ephron, Ghosts is a must-read for millennials looking to be seen and older and younger generations in search of a more accurate portrayal of the age group they love to roll their eyes at." —Purewow"This heartfelt tale is in turns smart, caustically witty and achingly sad." ―Sunday Mirror