Bellies

This book moved me and left me with a bittersweet taste. It provides a profound description of the reality and everyday life of relationships and cohabitation. The needs and inner monologues of the individual characters lend depth to the story. While reading, it felt as if I were holding my breath the entire time and was part of the conversation.

Ming and Tom seem to be so different, but their connection is instant. As time goes on and they think about their future together, Ming announces her intention to transition. Now faced with fundamental shifts in their relationship, the question has to be asked if they still fit together. This is a truly unforgettable story of youth, intimacy, love and heartbreak. This book stayed with me, the palpable shift in their realtionship as Mings transition progresses but even before written with such sensitivity and rawness. Truly amazing writing style, which also reminded me a bit of Benjamin Alire Sáenz "Aristotle and Dante". It was messy and raw and so so tender to read about the first great love breaking apart because of the people Tom and Ming were becoming. A big big recommendation if you want something heartbreaking with a lot of feeling.

"I have a bad habit of going along with things that aren't right for me, and I'm just trying to do the things a person would do if they loved themselves as much as they loved other people." I enjoyed reading this book a lot, even though the characters were difficult, unique and sometimes seemed hard to love. I cried a lot... but it was worth it.

Nicola Dinan‘s debut novel is quite touching an holds so much power!! The characters are complex and flawed and shit people at times, which makes the story so heartfelt and realistic! I‘m very excited to read Dinan‘s next book „Dissappoint Me“.