A tale that felt so authentic it could only have been written by someone who lived it themselves (or knew someone who did). Annie Mac is, to me, one of the most legit voices in music and I was gutted when she left Radio 1. It was good to hear her again, albeit via the written word this time.

Orla is in her early twenties and she’s navigating life (friendships, questionable relationships and making a living) in London in the early 2000s. Having moved from Dublin, the big city is new and exciting - until things begin to unravel around her. I enjoyed this, but nothing too groundbreaking for me.

Macmanus writes beautifully, especially Orla's reminiscences about her childhood with her father, his guitar and the music. The Irish bar scenes, whilst very atmospheric and touchingly evoked, seemed somehow a little clichéd. Nevertheless, Macmanus is a lovely writer. Special thank you to Headline Books and Netgalley for a no obligation advance review copy.

Absolutely loved this slice of life novel, it felt so full of life and I felt like I was right in the story there myself, I highly highly recommend this book to everyone!

Very good at capturing the feeling of moving to the big city, and getting caught up in it all.
How it all seems to new and exciting until its not.
Then playing them alongside the family drama that reminds you Orla is still so very young.
Annie's love of music definitely shoes through in thos one,
It's feels most definitely like a coming of age story, and a great one at that.

I absolutely loved the author's debut Mother, Mother so was thrilled to get the opportunity to read The Mess We're In.
It's the turn of the millennium and 20 something Orla Quinn has moved to Kilburn in London with her best friend. They've moved into a run down shared house with the band Shiva while waiting for their real lives to begin. Back in Ireland Orla's parents have separated and whilst working a minimum wage bar job Orla dreams of becoming a musician.
Macmanus writes beautifully and really captures what it was like to be a young person in early 2000s London- from the hedonistic, partying lifestyle to the relationships with friends and often unsuitable partners. Orla is a sympathetic character and I was really drawn into her world. A lovingly written coming of age story filled with hope that I'd recommend.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.