The Imperfection of Us" by Nick Alexander is a captivating dual point of view (POV) novel that delves into the complex journey of a couple who learn to love each other despite their imperfections. This poignant story strikes a chord with its raw and authentic portrayal of human relationships.

The narrative centers around Dawn, the main female protagonist, who, at the age of seventeen, falls in love with Billy, a charismatic rock star. Unexpected circumstances unfold, leading to Dawn becoming pregnant and eventually entering into a marriage with Rob, a "good boy" who deeply loves her. The novel chronicles the highs and lows of their relationship, while also tackling a diverse range of themes such as parenthood, teen parenting, addiction, childhood trauma, the significance of communication, abortion, love, and betrayal. These subjects are presented in a remarkably genuine and unfiltered manner.

The strength of "The Imperfection of Us" lies in its exploration of the raw and real facets of human nature. The characters, though not diverse in the traditional sense, are portrayed in a messy yet compelling way, reflecting the intricate complexities of real-life individuals. This truthful depiction resonates with readers, as it acknowledges the inherent imperfections within us all.

The novel skillfully employs a dual POV narrative, providing readers with a deeper understanding of both Dawn and Rob's thoughts and emotions. This narrative technique enhances the overall depth of the story, amplifying the impact of the dialogues and allowing for a more immersive reading experience.

In conclusion, "The Imperfection of Us" is a compelling and genuine novel that offers a thought-provoking exploration of love, imperfection, and the choices we make.

I extend my gratitude to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing me with an advance reading copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Ps. This splendid work reminded me of another literary masterpiece “Daisy Jones and the Six” by Taylor Jenkins Reid (flawed and authentic characters who navigate through a journey of making both erroneous choices and, eventually, the correct ones, all in pursuit of their own personal happiness.)

An absorbing and life affirming look at the ups and downs of Dawn and Rob’s marriage. Wonderfully written with hugely engaging characters. Definitely a book to savour. My congratulations to Nick Alexander.

Thank you for the advanced copy.

What more can I say - this is brilliant. I loved it.

Very well written, you are drawn in by the author to keep turning the page, this covers a high amount of yeats and you follow the ups and downs of life.
You are drawn into Dawn and Robs world.. The journey through life after 17yr old Dawn becomes pregnant is one hell of a ride.

Highly recommend.

The Imperfection of Us - is a raw, gritty insight into a young girl's burgeoning relationship with her first love. Set in the 1990's Dawn meets Billy, Dawn is infatuated, Dawn gets pregnant and Billy disappears.
Dawn is set up by her mum and she meets Rob who is everything Billy isn't. He has his own home, a steady income, and adores Dawn. As Dawn navigates becoming a mother, she begins to fall for Rob but she never stops pining for Billy.
As the novel continues, Dawn and Rob have a child together, get married and move house. Covid hits and Dawn and Billy's relationship begins to unravel. Secrets are revealed and Dawn gets the opportunity to meet Billy again.
An emotional portrayal of marriage with likable, believable characters.

They say that in countries where arranged marriages exists, love develops differently. In western countries, you fall head over heels in love and often the love simmers down, leaving the couple disappointed. When there is not much love to begin with, you get to know each other properly and appreciate the other person. Love slowly starts building up, until you have a strong and solid fire. I like this, it’s different but it has its appeal. This book felt just like I described. The main character gets pregnant and is pursued by a man who (might) be the father, and despite herself she’s starting to really appreciate him, even if there wasn’t a lot of emotions to begin with. This was of describing an evolving relationship was lovely. The book felt real and there the typical cliches were absent. Like the couple got to know each other, the reader also slowly get to know them. For every chapter I liked them both more. In the beginning dawn seemed a bit reckless and irresponsible, but I grew to like her spunk and Rob also became a different person. In the beginning he comes across as naive and a bit hopeless, but he transforms to a thoughtful and resourceful man that has his head in the right place.

There is also a shocking revelation in the last chapters and it really stirred up some emotions in me.

This was a pleasant read. It’s subtle and in the subtlety lies its beauty.

Thanks to netgalley and storm publishing for the arc in exchange for my honest review

I really enjoyed this relatable, true to life story! Started back in the 90s and went through to covid times! It focused on Dawn and Rob and their relationship/ marriage problems ( good and bad) through out the decades! It brought back lots of memories, political, musical and ended how I wanted it to. Light hearted book I’d recommend

Loved the story. Marriage can be tricky and following your heart even trickier. I think Alexander did a great job with telling Dawn's story. It was a pleasure to read. Heartfelt and raw at times. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Four stars.

poignant and relatable exploration of love, choices, and the complexities of long-term relationships. Set in the summer of 1990, the story follows Dawn's journey as she navigates infatuation, unexpected pregnancy, and eventually settling into a marriage with Rob.

Alexander's writing captures the essence of ordinary, everyday life, delving into the nuances of relationships and the realities of commitment. The characters are flawed, genuine, and easy to connect with, making their experiences and struggles feel authentic.

Through Dawn's reflections on her past infatuation with Billy, the author explores themes of nostalgia, regrets, and the enduring power of memories. The narrative raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of love and the paths we choose, as Dawn grapples with the allure of her past and the impact it may have on her present.

"The Imperfection of Us" is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that will tug at readers' heartstrings. Nick Alexander's storytelling prowess shines through as he navigates the complexities of relationships and the messiness of life's choices. It is a compelling and introspective read that invites readers to reflect on their own journeys of love, growth, and the imperfections that make life rich and meaningful.

NICK ALEXANDER – THE IMPERFECTION OF US ****

I read this novel in advance of publication through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Teenager Dawn’s fling with young Billy – a rockstar in the making – haunts the rest of her adult life and her future relationship with electrician Rob who dotes on her - even after they marry and have children. Likewise dark secrets from Rob’s childhood haunts him, too, and the combination of regrets and unrealised possibilities causes their precarious relationship to veer off course and turn to other people for comfort.

Though their secrets and hang-ups are catastrophic to them, none of the three are particularly attractive people, unlike many of Nick Alexander’s characters from previous novels, so I didn’t feel as fully invested in their fate.

Covering many decades, it takes the reader through Covid and beyond, into old age. Writing an epic – in terms of life-span – is a bold move, spreading a story Marmite-thin over so many years, especially a tale of such ordinary people. In the hands of an author less experienced it might have come across as long winded and dull. But this story grows upon you as their relationships develop, as you discover what each of them is thinking about the other and about their situation. You have to keep reading to find out what happens in the end when the secrets are revealed.

Wow, what a great book. it was so real, from start to finish, it accurately depicted all the good, bad and ugly truths of relationships/marriage and life in general
You’ll follow Dawn, the unruly teenager who is hell bent on having a good time. She falls pregnant at 17 and everything changes.
The Imperfections of Us, was such a joy to read. I haven’t laughed (and cried) along with a book in such a long time.

I absolutely loved this book. The characters were brilliant - so real.

Dawn falls.pregnant at 17 and is unsure whether the baby's father is Billy, a wannabe rockstar or reliable and steady Rob.

This book goes through Dawn's ups and downs of life and I laughed and cried with her all the way through. Nick's style of writing makes you believe you know her and her family well.

A well-deserved 5🌟 from me.

This book was really unique and it was a very quick and fast-paced read. I read it in a little over one day and liked it.

The Imperfection of Us is a wonderfully written, thought provoking, self reflecting, relatable, grass greener/other side novel, and .definitely aimed at middle aged women such as myself! The research that the author must do is staggering. The depths of married life, both the highs and the lows, are detailed in a way that reflects what so many middle aged, long term married couples experience. This book certainly makes you consider what you have, appreciate it, accept it for what it is, and gives the reader food for thought. Another surefire chart topper for Nick Alexander.

Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to devour an advance copy.