Long Distance Call

A strong debut from the Dublin novelist Exciting Times is just the tonic for a global pandemic when we're all trapped at home. It's a coming of age novel set in Hong Kong, where the lead character Ava explores her sexuality. It's a book about class, about relationships and whether we need to leave home to really grow up. When young Dubliner, Ava, finishes university she moves to Asia to teach english to primary school kids. She's fiercely smart but socially awkward. Ava falls for the similarly intelligent but selfish Julian, who ends up being her boyfriend and landlord. When the relationship with Julian implodes, Ava falls for Hong Konger, Edith. The book is sharp and funny. Eliza and Madeleine enjoyed it but felt it needed a stronger plot. Sarah wasn't so kind ... labelling it a wannabe Sally Rooney novel. Let us know what you think! Join the conversation at the Facebook page LDC Podcast, or email ldcpodcast1@gmail.com Please leave us a review on your podcast se