Square One feels like my kinda book, and I loved Frizzells way of capturing a real quarter life crisis and a woman lost in her own life. But there were moments of this story that left me feeling entirely uncomfortable within the first few pages and from then I kept pushing as I struggled to get into the story fully and found Hanna very distant as an MC.

A quick and easy read, I can see why this book would appeal to plenty of readers. I personally couldn’t invest fully or relate to the main character but can appreciate how for some readers Hanna would tick all of those boxes! Pleasantly surprised for Nell’s novel debut but this one just wasn’t 100% for me.

Square One by Nell Frizzell is a relatable novel about feeling like a failure at life when things don't follow the plan you had envisioned and working out what to do about it.

My immediate feeling was that I was going to enjoy this book. I went through a similar experience of ending a relationship and having to move in with a parent. The writing style isn't really for me but I wanted to push through as I hoped the story would take over and I'd get used to it. It did for a short while, there are some funny parts and I could relate to the overall premise. Then it started to feel a little like someone was just writing down their constant monologue of intrusive thoughts. I began to find Hanna annoying and overly critical so I decided to give up.
I'm disappointed that I couldn't get through it as Hanna's dad seems like a good character, the set up was all there for a decent story and I'd be interested to know if/how Hanna manages to get her life together. I might give this another go one day.

Who has their life sorted out? No one. Hanna has just broken up with her long-term boyfriend and has moved in with her dad. She’s lost and unhappy and can’t help feel that her life is not on track. Hanna tries to navigate this new chapter in her life but a new hurdle always seems to be popping up.

I didn’t fall in love with this book. I found that I didn’t connect with Hanna, not that she is unlikeable but there was a missing warmth from her character. Hanna seemed to constantly complain about things and this was draining as the book went on. Instead of sitting down and thinking of solutions for her problems or going to someone for help Hanna seemed to go around in circles. Maybe I had too many expectations for the direction this book would take. This didn’t take the route of a rom-com or an inspiring journey of picking your life up.

There are some aspects of the book that I loved. I adored the relationship that Hanna has with her dad. Her father is hilarious in the book and so vividly described that I could imagine meeting him on the street. He is a little eccentric with a wry sense of humour, and his habits can leave a lot to be desired. Along with this, some of the conversations that Hanna has with characters are truly inspiring, in particular her chat with Mary about life expectations and motherhood.

This was a good fun read. There were moments described with Hanna’s man-child of a father I could definitely live without. Although they were amusing they did not help me identify with him as a helpful father figure or a successful Tinder frequenter. There were also some moments of sadness which were well delivered.

Nell Frizzell has to be one of my new favourite authors. Not only is she incredible at writing complex characters, but how she weaves humorous comparisons and similies into her writing made me giggle. I adore this book. Read it now.

I found this books easy enough to read and follow. I really felt connected to the main character and was invested in her story. I did however keep hoping something big was about to happen and it never really seemed to come. I felt very underwhelmed by the ending.

I’ve given this a 3/5 as if was a pleasant enough read but was expecting more

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
The information provided about this book introduced Hanna as a woman who has ended her long term relationship because she's finally realised she is lonely and her only option is to move back to her father's and get a new job. However, once she gets there she criticises his way of life, makes no effort to look up old friends even though she grew up in the area and does not try to interact with her colleagues on her first day in a new job whilst spending the morning criticising them in her head. She says and thinks the most bizarre things (why is it difficult to speak to an old friend about her mum's death 20 years ago?) and seems to live a boring, depressing life whilst blaming others for her position.
This book was not for me and I gave up reading it at 30%.

Square One is a lovely read. Characters are easy to connect with so you invest in the story. And the plot is one that many can relate to at some point il life. Enjoyable read.

I struggled to get on with this novel. The protagonist, Hanna, moves back to Oxford after a failed relationship and lives with her father whilst trying to get her life back in track. I failed to connect with the characters or story.

This is a gorgeous read from beginning to end. This book has stolen my heart and been completely unputdownable.

I really enjoyed this book. 30 year old Hanna has just broken up with her long term boyfriend and has moved back to her home town of Oxford. For the time being she has no choice but to move in with her Dad. Her Dad is also single and using dating apps. I really liked all the main characters in the book and some of the writing is very amusing. I also know Oxford well so could picture the places mentioned. Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy.
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Admittedly, as I first began this book I thought ‘there are way too many similes and this book is too try hard’.

However, as we settled deeper and deeper into Hanna’s 30 year old 1/4 life crisis of rediscovering womanhood, singledom, her home town, career aspirations, bin sex with old high school flames and living with her father, I found myself charmed and warmed to this little witty book.

It reminded me very much of Adults by Emma Jane Unsworth. It’s dry, crude and does what it says on the tin. I really liked the characters, although not physically described I could see them and hear them and I really enjoyed them.

I ended up whizzing through this book in less than 24 hours on a weekday which is a rarity for me!

I liked that the book spun around from feeling rubbish about being newly single, to regrouping with family and old friends and discovering what's important for happiness.

Huge big thanks to the publishers and the author for my advanced copy, I didn’t read it before it was published so soz about that, but big five star thumbs up from me.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. A very topical book dealing with issues many young people have. That said, it didn’t grip me. I kept reading but was not engrossed or feeling connected it.

this was... something. I'm not sure how I should word it but the book was somehow good and bad at the same time. don't get me wrong the story itself was good, something that I think many women can relate to (especially between the ages of 25-30, when everyone expects you to have everything sorted out in your life).
as a young adult, I enjoyed reading this book for sure, it gave me the feeling that I don't have to have everything figured out now, and no matter what will face me in the future it's not the end of the world.

in my eyes, Hanna is this little messy ball that needs to get her life in nothing actually goes her way (the apartment hunting, dating life, having a family). it can be a lot, but hey! she managed to somehow get it all in order.
there were scenes in this book that moved me: the argument between Hanna and her dad, Iain (it might seem crazy but I wish I could have that kind of argument with my dad but oh well..); the "break-up" conversation between Hanna and Tom, and that long-ish conversation between Mary and Hanna at Mary's home.

now the bad side - it took me a while to get interested in the book, the writing felt a bit messy at some parts but maybe it's because this book is a debut, that's why I'm willing to close my eye on that part.

An engaging, relatable book for any twenty-something female reader.

I adore Nell Frizzell's writing style, and I found myself laughing out loud at certain parts of the book. I liked that Hanna was a raw, messy protagonist that could act selfishly (i.e. when she finds out that her friend is pregnant, her first thought is that she can no longer take the spare room in her house), although I did find her a little too self-pitying at times. Hanna and Mary's budding friendship was easily my favourite part of the novel; I thought the ending (when Hanna moves into Mary's boat) was incredibly well done.

Unfortunately I didn't connect well with Hanna, although I wanted to. There are funny moments and I'm sure the storyline is relatable to many 30 years but it was just ok for me. I enjoyed the writing style which probably kept me reading.

This was not the romcom I was expecting. It is a book about how living at home and being single in your 30s can make you feel like a failure. It deals with topics that a lot of millenials are facing now. Ever increasing house and rent prices, the struggle that is dating in general, and the near constant feeling that you are failing.

i found this book to be heart-warming, funny, charming and extremely relatable.

I usually enjoy a well-written story of a 30something trying to change the direction of her life after a break up or job loss or something similar. Its a well worn trope but it is usually entertaining to read. For me, Square One didnt quite hit the mark, I was expecting it to be lighter in tone - there was too much unhappiness about her father's way of life, even through she'd been so close to him as a child- and general moaning. The cover and tag lines made me feel that it was going to be more of a beach read, but this wasnt the case. Not for me Im afraid but as always, i appreciate the chance to read it in advance.2.5/5 stars