No Hard Feelings, by Genevieve Novak

With a strapline of Hungover, underpaid and overwhelmed this book could be mistaken for non-fiction. But it is actually just a description of Penny’s life. Stuck in job she dislikes, hankering for a relationship with a man who is just not that into her, Penny’s lack of self-worth undermines everything she does. Her self-destructive and self-sabotaging behaviour is infuriating, but all too recognisable. It is hard not to feel some sympathy for the mental health struggles of a 20-something waiting for her life to improve. It’s such a shame that so many smart, attractive and capable (mostly) women allow themselves to be treated so poorly. Novak does a good job of showing how and why this happens to so many. Her tone is light and sharply funny but the underlying theme has depth and darkness, providing a satisfying whole. She uses realistic shades of grey to depict best friends and the awful boss, although the supportive housemate is possibly a little too good to be true. The book could have probably done without quite so much intricate detail of inner Melbourne geography as well as the snide sideswipes of other cities and suburbs. Penny does actually take action to improve matters and, with the help of friends and family, makes some changes that offer hope for a better future, without suggesting there is a magic bullet cure for what ails her.