Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my ARC copy.

This book seems to be dividing reviewers! I have seen some glowing reviews and some not-so. For me, I found it to sit somewhere in the middle. There were elements that I loved, such as the character exploration and the setting, and ones which I struggled with, such as the main relationship and the tone. As a result, the book was a bit of a slug to get through and felt rather flat and slow at times. But I can immediately think of people I know who will love this book so much more than me!

Nila lives with her dad in a rundown apartment in Berlin. She's 19 and restless with her life. She also lies about her ethnicity to everyone she meets, claiming to be anything but Afghani. One night she meets Marlowe, an American writer in his mid-thirties who is a bit of a literary celebrity. Nila sees her life opening up in front of her simply by being in Marlowe's orbit.

I really wish I loved this more than I did! I found it a bit one note? Which is mad considering the drug-fuelled content. Nila and Marlowe's relationship is abusive and uncomfortable to read about. However Nila's relationship with her identity is much more engrossing.

If the synopsis of this intrigues you then it's absolutely worth a read! It just missed the mark for me unfortunately.

**I was approved to read an ARC of Good Girl on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

I’m disappointed to say this just was not for me. I enjoyed reading and understanding our main characters Nila’s thoughts and perspective especially around Berlin culture, creativity, and being a young immigrant trying to process complex family history. However, this book put me into a reading slump. While I do enjoy books that focus more on character exploration rather than heavy plot, this just did not work for me. I felt as though nothing changed or progressed through the novel and I gained nothing at the end. I did not feel any urge to keep reading or to stay up late engrossed in this book and often went days without even thinking about it. I do think some readers will absolutely love and adore this novel so it’s definitely worth checking out the synopsis to see if you are interested.

Astounded by the intricities of this novel i reread the synopis after finishing. Sheer perfection in its description, it was eye wateringly compulsive and emotive. I havent read a book like this before but the affinity i felt for the main character was astounding her propulsion for self destruction without the self awareness of age and the way she gets carried along with a crowd defies belief. A novel i will definitely read again. Excellent.

Good Girl by Aria Aber
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 14 January 2025

In the pulsing heart of Berlin's techno scene, 19-year-old Nila seeks refuge from her troubled past. The daughter of Afghan immigrants, she navigates a city still haunted by its violent history, finding solace in the underground club culture that seems worlds away from her refugee-filled housing block.

Nila's journey of self-discovery is overshadowed by the ghosts of her family's past: her late mother, once a fierce feminist activist; her withdrawn father; and the ever-present uncles who seem to watch her every move. In her quest for belonging, she conceals her Afghan heritage, claiming Greek roots instead.

A chance encounter with Marlowe Woods, a fading American literary star, opens doors to a glittering world of artistic possibility. But as Nila is drawn deeper into this new realm, she finds that beneath Berlin's cosmopolitan surface, ugly tensions simmer. Her dreams, identity, and beliefs are all put to the test in this crucible of art and reality.

Aria Aber's "Good Girl" is a stunning debut that pulses with the raw energy of youth and the complexities of identity in a multicultural world. Aber crafts a narrative that is both intimate and expansive, exploring the intricate web of personal history, cultural heritage, and artistic ambition.

The novel's greatest strength lies in its vivid portrayal of Berlin's underground scene, which becomes a character in its own right. Aber's prose is electric, capturing the frenetic energy of techno clubs and the stark realities of immigrant life with equal vividness.

Nila is a compelling protagonist, her struggles with identity and belonging resonating deeply in our current global climate. The author deftly explores themes of cultural assimilation, the weight of family expectations, and the universal desire to find one's place in the world.

The introduction of Marlowe Woods adds an intriguing dimension to the story, serving as both a catalyst for Nila's growth and a mirror reflecting the often harsh realities of the artistic world. Through this relationship, Aber examines power dynamics, cultural appropriation, and the sometimes murky ethics of the literary world.

"Good Girl" is not just a coming-of-age story, but a powerful exploration of what it means to be an artist, an immigrant, and a young woman in today's world. Aber's unflinching look at issues of race, class, and gender adds depth and relevance to the narrative.

While the novel tackles heavy themes, it never loses its sense of vitality. The author's ability to balance moments of ecstatic joy with periods of introspection and darkness showcases her remarkable talent.

In conclusion, "Good Girl" announces Aria Aber as a formidable new voice in contemporary fiction. Her debut is a tour de force that combines lyrical prose, complex characters, and timely themes into a truly unforgettable reading experience. This novel will undoubtedly resonate with readers long after the final page is turned.


Thank you so much to NetGalley, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ) | Bloomsbury Circus, and the author, Aria Aber, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.