This is the story of Kim, an Australian writer who moves to Berlin with grand plans to write her novel. Spoiler alert: she doesn't exactly get much writing done. Instead, she ends up getting injured on trains, fainting, etc, and all while avoiding doing any actual writing.

The book follows her messy, chaotic life as she tries (and mostly fails) to get her creative act together. Her friendship with Belleini, who’s a historian craving stability after a pretty nomadic childhood, brings a great contrast. While Belleini is all about finding order, Kim’s just kind of flailing. And it’s hilarious, but also super relatable, especially if you’ve ever tried to be creative while real life just gets in the way.

Pip Finkemeyer does a great job blending humor with heavier themes like mental health and the pressure to succeed. But that doesnt mean it’s a downer. Even when Kim is spiraling into self-doubt or wondering why the writing isn’t happening, there’s this humour that keeps it all light.

Honestly, if you like books about creative people being a hot mess (like, who doesn’t?), you’ll find something to enjoy in this. Think The Idiot by Elif Batuman or My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh—but with more train accidents. It's a fun, plus it's full of those “I’ve been there” moments for anyone who's tried to write or do anything ambitious.

Highly recommend it if you need a good laugh, but also want to feel a little introspective about life at the same time.

A delightful, humorous, and introspective debut, "Sad Girl Novel" is a noteworthy addition to contemporary fiction. Pip Finkemeyer brilliantly crafts a story that captures the essence of self-discovery and the struggle between ambition and self-doubt. Kimberley Mueller, an Australian expat in Berlin, is a relatable protagonist whose journey of self-awareness, interspersed with bouts of self-delusion, is as endearing as it is enlightening.

The novel's refreshing take on the pursuit of creative fulfillment is both heartwarming and hilarious - providing a much-needed balance that makes this book a joy to read. Finkemeyer's depiction of Kimberley's relationship with Matthew, a New York literary agent, and her friendship with Bel, adds depth and complexity to the story.

The author's skillful storytelling, coupled with Kimberley's unique voice, makes this novel a page-turner. What's impressive is how the narrative maintains its levity while addressing serious issues, such as mental health and the pressure of societal expectations.

In the end, "Sad Girl Novel" is a story of resilience and determination. It's a testament to the human spirit's uncanny ability to find humor and hope even amidst chaos and uncertainty. This book is undoubtedly a must-read for anyone seeking a narrative that is as humorous as it is insightful. I look forward to more works from Pip Finkemeyer.

sad gir novels are my fave subgenre so i was looking forward to this more self-aware take on it, however this novel reads very much like something that has been done before.

The ultimate sad girl novel with a does of thriller. I liked that the setting as it was different to usual, e.g. Berlin instead of London, NY or LA. The mc is friends with a slightly older woman which brings a different perspective which I really enjoyed. I also liked the twist which I wasn't expecting and didn't see coming. Definitely something a bit different and new is this genre.

I liked the premise and the narrator was easy to listen to. I found Kim had a lot in her head, and I related to some of it. I also related to everything that went along with wanting to write a novel. Novels about novels are of interest to me, I just didn't really like Kim, and I found her best friend more likeable. I did persevere with this book and was still struggling to like it.

I didn't see as much growth in Kim as I would have liked.

Thanks to Pip Finkemeyer and Hodder and Stoughton Audio for my eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

3.5 stars

This book had a lot of potential and character. I love any kind of book premise that revolves around books or publishing but this one just fell slightly short. The main character is extremely whiny and self centred and unlikable.which is jarring because I actually related to a lot of her thoughts and fears. I just didn’t really feel invested in her story and I actually found her best friend in the book to be the more interesting character. I would definitely give this author another go as they are clearly a talented writer despite me not clicking with this book the way I wanted

Kim has moved to Berlin to write a novel, leaving her life behind in Australia. Despite finding a friend in Belleini, a historian who craves stability following a nomadic childhood, the rest of Kim's time in Germany seems filled with obsession, injury on the train (by confectionary and fainting people) and a distinct lack of writing.

Looking at the lengths friends will go to try and help each other, albeit their efforts may overstep or be the opposite of what is required. The story appears to follow the chaotic state of Kim's mind as she tries to find her writing voice.

I was disappointed in this book. From the description, I thought that I would really enjoy it but I struggled to connect with the characters. There wasn't anyone that I liked in this book and I didn't feel like this changed as the story progressed. There also didn't really feel like there was much of a storyline.

Sad girl novel is just that, a twenty something young women muddling her way through life trying to become a writer.
An entertaining, easy read full of wit.
The narrator is pleasant to listen to and holds your interest in the story well.

Mixed feelings about this book. It kept feeling like it was about to rise above the "unlikable, self-centred character wants you to make her feel loved" but it sort of never really happened. Still a step (giant leap) above most of its genre though.

This was such a delight - both earnest in its representation of the disaster millennial woman™ (and more specifically the hopeful yet adrift writer), yet also so tongue in cheek and self aware about the fallacies of this niche genre. I very much enjoyed it and can see a large audience that would feel similarly.