When was having an affair ever a good idea? Madeleine Gray’s debut novel Green Dot is a witty and relatable exploration of the irresistible allure of chasing something that promises nothing.
Set in Sydney, Madeleine introduces us to the messy life of Hera, a young woman trying to navigate her mid-20s. Hera works as an underpaid comment moderator in a newsroom. It’s not her ideal job, but she doesn’t know what that may be. Instead of success or stability, her life is full of hangovers, ex-girlfriends and a dog-eared novel collection. She’s unsure how her Millennial peers have effortlessly embraced their adult existence.
It’s the introduction of Arthur, an older, married colleague that sends her headlong into an unpredictable romance. Hera is quickly intoxicated by the promise of ordinary happiness he represents. From the outset, Hera knows the relationship is doomed to fail. However, Green Dot is more than a story about an ill-fated workplace romance. It’s about love and finding your way in the world.
Hera’s authentic voice instantly drew me into her world and immersed me in her modern day struggle for identity and purpose. She deftly balances the thought-provoking and often humorous journey of deciding who we are and who we want to be. I also enjoyed meeting Hera’s Dad, dog, co-workers and friends.
Madeleine expertly navigates the fine line between comedy and tragedy, making it an emotionally relatable experience for readers. I thoroughly enjoyed the well-paced combination of laugh-out-loud and brutally real moments. A brilliant and incredibly funny debut!
Madeline Gray is a writer and critic from Sydney. This is her first novel. Follow Madeleine online.
Reviewer: Andrea Molloy Allen and Unwin