The Happy Couple

Naoise Dolan W&N £16.99

Dolan, author of the cool, spiky debut Exciting Times, has delivered a caustically funny second novel. Once again, relationships are under scrutiny as unfaithful, commitment-phobe Luke and wavering Celine head towards marriage. Along for the ride are Celine’s brilliantly sarcastic sister and bridesmaid, Phoebe, best man Archie, with whom Luke has slept, and guest Vivian, a perceptive mutual friend from college. Their takes on the upcoming (or not) nuptials make for a nuanced, emotionally articulate and decidedly unromantic comedy.