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One Day We're All Going to Die
'A compelling, immersive, utterly absorbing read. Hearst's arrival on the literary scene is a triumphal one. I cannot wait to see what she writes next.' Dr Lee Kofman. Sorrow and Bliss meets Normal People in this utterly compelling, darkly humorous millennial coming-of-age novel about a 27-year-old single Jewish woman in Melbourne who must learn to reconcile family expectations, cultural constraints and inter-generational trauma with her own desires. A coruscating new voice.
'A remarkable debut from an enthralling storyteller. I didn't want it to end.' Sarah Krasnostein At 27, Naomi is just trying to be a normal person. A normal person who works at a Jewish Museum, who cares for lost things, found things, sacred things, and her family. A person who finds herself going on bad blind dates, having cringe-worthy sex, a tumultuous, toxic affair, and falling for a man called Moses. Being a normal person would be easy and fine if she didn't bear the weight of the unspoken grief of Cookie, her Holocaust-survivor grandmother. It would all be fine if she just knew how to be, without feeling the pull of expectation, the fear of disappointing others (men, friends, her parents, humanity), and that pesky problem of being attracted to all the wrong people (according to her parents, anyway). By endlessly trying to please everyone around her, Naomi can't seem to figure out what she wants for herself, or how to get it. With echoes of the dead and dying all about her, in objects, in story, in her grandmother's firm grasp, Naomi isn't quite sure she knows how to be a normal person, but she is going to try. This fiercely honest, funny and fearless novel is a deep dive into the complex questions that surround culture, identity politics and generational trauma in contemporary Australia. Both a sadly affectionate and brilliantly unsparing examination of the glorious, awkward, messiness of life.
'A remarkable debut from an enthralling storyteller. I didn't want it to end.' Sarah Krasnostein At 27, Naomi is just trying to be a normal person. A normal person who works at a Jewish Museum, who cares for lost things, found things, sacred things, and her family. A person who finds herself going on bad blind dates, having cringe-worthy sex, a tumultuous, toxic affair, and falling for a man called Moses. Being a normal person would be easy and fine if she didn't bear the weight of the unspoken grief of Cookie, her Holocaust-survivor grandmother. It would all be fine if she just knew how to be, without feeling the pull of expectation, the fear of disappointing others (men, friends, her parents, humanity), and that pesky problem of being attracted to all the wrong people (according to her parents, anyway). By endlessly trying to please everyone around her, Naomi can't seem to figure out what she wants for herself, or how to get it. With echoes of the dead and dying all about her, in objects, in story, in her grandmother's firm grasp, Naomi isn't quite sure she knows how to be a normal person, but she is going to try. This fiercely honest, funny and fearless novel is a deep dive into the complex questions that surround culture, identity politics and generational trauma in contemporary Australia. Both a sadly affectionate and brilliantly unsparing examination of the glorious, awkward, messiness of life.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2023
87 people are currently reading
2533 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 187 reviews
August 22, 2023
I love how readable this was, considering most characters I did not connect with. The reading was quick, easy to pick up and put down, with a topic I do not often delve into. I usually dislike stories when I dislike the characters, for some reason this was an anomoly.
This is a Jewish family, with much culture described all the way through. Naomi is living in Melbourne, in her late 20's, and does not know what she's doing with her life. She knows what she is doing isn't satisfactory to her parents, a wealthy boundary lacking set of individuals who love their offspring, but are terribly co-dependant.
The lack of boundaries and close proximity was distasteful and riled me up. From Naomi's mother buying her 'lacy bras' from David Jones, to other clothing, to purchasing her home, she lived a life of hand outs I guess you could say. There was enableism everywhere you looked, though funnily enough, when Naomi was in the middle of an affair with a married Jewish man, they weren't up in arms.
They were up in arms when Naomi met someone outside of their culture. I hated their treatment of him. There is a lot of sex and quite graphic stuff, but this suited the story; Naomi was a little wild.
An open ending, with loose ends that I wasn't fussed on, this was a good read about generations, boundaries, culture and the quandary of pushing the limits of these. A quality debut, an author I will look out for.
With my thanks to @betterreadingau for their physical uncorrected proof copy to read and review.
This is a Jewish family, with much culture described all the way through. Naomi is living in Melbourne, in her late 20's, and does not know what she's doing with her life. She knows what she is doing isn't satisfactory to her parents, a wealthy boundary lacking set of individuals who love their offspring, but are terribly co-dependant.
The lack of boundaries and close proximity was distasteful and riled me up. From Naomi's mother buying her 'lacy bras' from David Jones, to other clothing, to purchasing her home, she lived a life of hand outs I guess you could say. There was enableism everywhere you looked, though funnily enough, when Naomi was in the middle of an affair with a married Jewish man, they weren't up in arms.
They were up in arms when Naomi met someone outside of their culture. I hated their treatment of him. There is a lot of sex and quite graphic stuff, but this suited the story; Naomi was a little wild.
An open ending, with loose ends that I wasn't fussed on, this was a good read about generations, boundaries, culture and the quandary of pushing the limits of these. A quality debut, an author I will look out for.
With my thanks to @betterreadingau for their physical uncorrected proof copy to read and review.
December 29, 2023
I figured out I’m really not a fan of books about young women dating terrible men.
August 1, 2023
I was drawn to this book by both the title and the cover and I ended up really enjoying the read.
Naomi is a young woman in Melbourne. She works at the Jewish museum, has a close relationship with her parents and grandparents and a personality that is always trying to please everyone (especially the parents). Her love life gets complicated when she becomes involved with her married (more senior) coworker. There’s plenty of humour in the writing that made it a pleasure especially the character of her grandmother, Cookie and Naomi’s boyfriend later in the story, Moses.
Naomi is a young woman in Melbourne. She works at the Jewish museum, has a close relationship with her parents and grandparents and a personality that is always trying to please everyone (especially the parents). Her love life gets complicated when she becomes involved with her married (more senior) coworker. There’s plenty of humour in the writing that made it a pleasure especially the character of her grandmother, Cookie and Naomi’s boyfriend later in the story, Moses.
December 17, 2023
*https://www.instagram.com/mrsb_book_r...
3.5 stars
🏺The acclaimed author of The Trauma Cleaner has described Elise Esther Hearst’s first novel as a remarkable debut. Sharp, emotional and full of adult awakening, One Day We’re All Going to Die is an interesting entry into the new sub-genre of adult coming of age tales.
🏺One Day We’re All Going to Die follows Naomi, a twenty something living and working in Melbourne. The most intriguing part about this story for me was Naomi’s work at the Museum of Jewish Heritage and her grandmother Cookie, a Holocaust survivor. Elise Esther Hearst carefully and sensitively weaves in various anecdotes from Naomi’s family heritage. Culture, politics, power, privilege, gender and the weight of expectation are dominant themes in this novel, guiding Naomi's direction or misdirection. I particularly appreciated the emphasis on intergenerational trauma and the focus on the modern Jewish community that exists in Melbourne today.
🏺The drawback for me and this one was what I pretty much expected when I read the other reviews out there, along with the synopsis. Unfortunately, I am not a fan of the sad girl or coming of age in your twenties style novels that have been making their way into book stores of late. I find I have trouble connecting to these stories, especially as I left this age bracket some years ago. However, I will compliment One Day We’re All Going to Die for its directness, deep feeling, tone, understated humour, well-pitched dialogue, family musings and emotional insight. Naomi was a colourful character to follow, but I definitely didn’t agree with her decisions!
🏺One Day We’re All Going to Die is a self-growth style novel that wasn’t quite the book for me, although I found a number of aspects that I valued from this new writer’s debut.
🙏Thank you to @harpercollinsaustralia for the complimentary copy.
3.5 stars
🏺The acclaimed author of The Trauma Cleaner has described Elise Esther Hearst’s first novel as a remarkable debut. Sharp, emotional and full of adult awakening, One Day We’re All Going to Die is an interesting entry into the new sub-genre of adult coming of age tales.
🏺One Day We’re All Going to Die follows Naomi, a twenty something living and working in Melbourne. The most intriguing part about this story for me was Naomi’s work at the Museum of Jewish Heritage and her grandmother Cookie, a Holocaust survivor. Elise Esther Hearst carefully and sensitively weaves in various anecdotes from Naomi’s family heritage. Culture, politics, power, privilege, gender and the weight of expectation are dominant themes in this novel, guiding Naomi's direction or misdirection. I particularly appreciated the emphasis on intergenerational trauma and the focus on the modern Jewish community that exists in Melbourne today.
🏺The drawback for me and this one was what I pretty much expected when I read the other reviews out there, along with the synopsis. Unfortunately, I am not a fan of the sad girl or coming of age in your twenties style novels that have been making their way into book stores of late. I find I have trouble connecting to these stories, especially as I left this age bracket some years ago. However, I will compliment One Day We’re All Going to Die for its directness, deep feeling, tone, understated humour, well-pitched dialogue, family musings and emotional insight. Naomi was a colourful character to follow, but I definitely didn’t agree with her decisions!
🏺One Day We’re All Going to Die is a self-growth style novel that wasn’t quite the book for me, although I found a number of aspects that I valued from this new writer’s debut.
🙏Thank you to @harpercollinsaustralia for the complimentary copy.
August 27, 2023
Coming of age/find-yourself-in-your-twenties novels have fast become the ‘in-thing’. I’m a self-confessed fan of this genre, despite being long out of my twenties. There’s a fresh appeal to this new intake, they’ve left the rom-com cheesy tropes behind and instead offer readers an honest, messy, real, emotional rollercoaster of a read that each of us, on some level, no matter our ages, can relate to.
One Day We’re All Going to Die is the story of 27-year-old Naomi, Jewish, single, living in Melbourne in a house bought for by her overprotective parents who are overly involved in every aspect of her life, thoroughly enjoying her job as a curator at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, in between regularly visiting her grandparents in an aged care facility, the weight of her ancestors and the expectations that come with their collective sacrifices resting heavily across her shoulders.
Naomi swiftly derails her life when she enters into an affair with her boss, a married Jewish man. He takes advantage of Naomi in a classic toxic abuse of power within the workplace move that sees her giving up her job and her independence when it all inevitably crashes and burns. Enter the finding yourself stage of this story.
The dialogue within this story between Naomi and her parents and most especially her grandmother, Cookie, was sparkling and on point one hundred percent of the time. The story is populated with some utterly fantastic scenes. It’s also got its fair share of heartbreaking moments too.
I really enjoyed this exposure to the inner workings of an Australian Jewish family, written by an Australian Jewish woman. The feeling of lived experiences was ever present throughout the novel and the authenticity of Naomi, and her family, made it all the more of an enjoyable read for me. I feel like this novel would make a great television series.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
One Day We’re All Going to Die is the story of 27-year-old Naomi, Jewish, single, living in Melbourne in a house bought for by her overprotective parents who are overly involved in every aspect of her life, thoroughly enjoying her job as a curator at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, in between regularly visiting her grandparents in an aged care facility, the weight of her ancestors and the expectations that come with their collective sacrifices resting heavily across her shoulders.
Naomi swiftly derails her life when she enters into an affair with her boss, a married Jewish man. He takes advantage of Naomi in a classic toxic abuse of power within the workplace move that sees her giving up her job and her independence when it all inevitably crashes and burns. Enter the finding yourself stage of this story.
The dialogue within this story between Naomi and her parents and most especially her grandmother, Cookie, was sparkling and on point one hundred percent of the time. The story is populated with some utterly fantastic scenes. It’s also got its fair share of heartbreaking moments too.
I really enjoyed this exposure to the inner workings of an Australian Jewish family, written by an Australian Jewish woman. The feeling of lived experiences was ever present throughout the novel and the authenticity of Naomi, and her family, made it all the more of an enjoyable read for me. I feel like this novel would make a great television series.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
August 24, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley & HQ for an eARC of this book. The following review is my honest reflection on the text provided.
Very Sally Rooney-esque, Naomi was difficult to understand because she had so little understanding of herself. It seemed like she got caught up in whatever was going on around her and rarely made any decisions of her own. Even while she was participating in relationships, it was hard to tell if it was what she actually wanted or if it was just easier to let things happen. She traded jobs and homes and relationships easily, never fully committed to one career or place or person. And while this made her a complicated and difficult character to understand, it did make her very interesting. Since I didn’t know what she wanted I never knew what she would do next.
The supporting cast of characters were just absent enough to leave me wanting more. We are so fully inside Naomi'a perspective that it’s very obvious we are only getting a sliver of everything they could be. So much was implied and left undeveloped in such a way that felt purposeful and well-written. Of course, Naomi doesn’t really know herself, she certainly doesn’t have a handle on the people around her.
I loved the way Hearst explored girl’s relationship with her family. From her indifferent sister to her overbearing but detached parents to her declining grandparents. These relationships are so wound up with their religion, and lack thereof, that they are simultaneously simple and complex. This is where Hearst's writing really shines and I was left wanting more.
I enjoyed One Day We're All Going to Die, but it made me want to go back and reread Rooney to really get that ‘why do I care about this terrible character who doesn’t care about themself’ feeling.
Very Sally Rooney-esque, Naomi was difficult to understand because she had so little understanding of herself. It seemed like she got caught up in whatever was going on around her and rarely made any decisions of her own. Even while she was participating in relationships, it was hard to tell if it was what she actually wanted or if it was just easier to let things happen. She traded jobs and homes and relationships easily, never fully committed to one career or place or person. And while this made her a complicated and difficult character to understand, it did make her very interesting. Since I didn’t know what she wanted I never knew what she would do next.
The supporting cast of characters were just absent enough to leave me wanting more. We are so fully inside Naomi'a perspective that it’s very obvious we are only getting a sliver of everything they could be. So much was implied and left undeveloped in such a way that felt purposeful and well-written. Of course, Naomi doesn’t really know herself, she certainly doesn’t have a handle on the people around her.
I loved the way Hearst explored girl’s relationship with her family. From her indifferent sister to her overbearing but detached parents to her declining grandparents. These relationships are so wound up with their religion, and lack thereof, that they are simultaneously simple and complex. This is where Hearst's writing really shines and I was left wanting more.
I enjoyed One Day We're All Going to Die, but it made me want to go back and reread Rooney to really get that ‘why do I care about this terrible character who doesn’t care about themself’ feeling.
October 2, 2023
I felt that Naomi was a very unlikeable FMC. She had very little personality and for a coming-of-age story she really didn't learn a thing throughout the book. She just continue making the same mistakes over and over again.
Naomi thinks very little of physical connection and I think I found my 'ick' in this book. Everytime she said that she 'pissed' I wanted to die!
I enjoyed that it was Australian based and I loved Naomi's relationship with her Cookie. Cookie was a great character and added so much to this book.
This was certainly a book about navigating life and all its messes including and not limited to relationships, work and family.
Thankyou Harper Collins and the author for sending me and ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Naomi thinks very little of physical connection and I think I found my 'ick' in this book. Everytime she said that she 'pissed' I wanted to die!
I enjoyed that it was Australian based and I loved Naomi's relationship with her Cookie. Cookie was a great character and added so much to this book.
This was certainly a book about navigating life and all its messes including and not limited to relationships, work and family.
Thankyou Harper Collins and the author for sending me and ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2023
Thank you Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
Each phase of life has it difficulties, joys and defining moments.
Social, family and religious parameters all shape the experience and define expectations.
At 27, Naomi is finding her feet in the adult world with dating disasters and parental influence lurking in the background.
World War Two scarred the world and left an immeasurable amount of suffering for the Jewish population.
The survivors miraculously resumed to living lives all around the world, often burying the past and its memories.
Cookie survived the Holocaust and settled in Melbourne.
Naomi was raised and educated Jewish, her parents possibly over compensating to show the pride in their heritage.
The expectation she will marry into the faith.
Her grandmother, perhaps through life experiences lives life philosophically and religion is not a huge factor.
A fantastic story of finding yourself set against a familiar Melbourne backdrop.
A journey of decisions and consequences.
The transition to independence and the assertions needed to live your truth all ring loudly for Naomi.
Each phase of life has it difficulties, joys and defining moments.
Social, family and religious parameters all shape the experience and define expectations.
At 27, Naomi is finding her feet in the adult world with dating disasters and parental influence lurking in the background.
World War Two scarred the world and left an immeasurable amount of suffering for the Jewish population.
The survivors miraculously resumed to living lives all around the world, often burying the past and its memories.
Cookie survived the Holocaust and settled in Melbourne.
Naomi was raised and educated Jewish, her parents possibly over compensating to show the pride in their heritage.
The expectation she will marry into the faith.
Her grandmother, perhaps through life experiences lives life philosophically and religion is not a huge factor.
A fantastic story of finding yourself set against a familiar Melbourne backdrop.
A journey of decisions and consequences.
The transition to independence and the assertions needed to live your truth all ring loudly for Naomi.
August 3, 2023
I seem to be picking up lots of different kinds of Jewish books at the moment, and I'm here for it.
This one is set in my home town of Melbourne, and all the action (except a trip to Tasmania) happens within a short distance of where I live now. I love a local book!
Naomi herself reminded me of some of the girls I went to (co-ed, Jewish day) school with. She's privileged and bumbling. Like many of the main characters or books like these she is somewhat passive and lets things happen to her. There is a sense of distance from her - I just had to check whether the book was in first or third person.
I enjoyed my time with Naomi, even if she is a sometimes frustrating protagonist. This was lab;led a coming of age novel, and it might be, but it's more Naomi (like the rest of us) muddling through and doing her best, mostly. The questions of generational trauma, and of what it means to be Jewish religiously and culturally, resonated with me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This one is set in my home town of Melbourne, and all the action (except a trip to Tasmania) happens within a short distance of where I live now. I love a local book!
Naomi herself reminded me of some of the girls I went to (co-ed, Jewish day) school with. She's privileged and bumbling. Like many of the main characters or books like these she is somewhat passive and lets things happen to her. There is a sense of distance from her - I just had to check whether the book was in first or third person.
I enjoyed my time with Naomi, even if she is a sometimes frustrating protagonist. This was lab;led a coming of age novel, and it might be, but it's more Naomi (like the rest of us) muddling through and doing her best, mostly. The questions of generational trauma, and of what it means to be Jewish religiously and culturally, resonated with me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 27, 2023
DNF
The first chapter needs to give me reason to keep reading. Unfortunately, this did not.
I then read the second, and that's where I ended it.
"Sorry and Bliss meets Normal People"
I've read and loved both of these and I couldn't see any resemblance.
Maybe I'm the wrong demographic.
The first chapter needs to give me reason to keep reading. Unfortunately, this did not.
I then read the second, and that's where I ended it.
"Sorry and Bliss meets Normal People"
I've read and loved both of these and I couldn't see any resemblance.
Maybe I'm the wrong demographic.
October 8, 2023
Was quite interesting, fam was not very nice
December 23, 2023
The potential was there but it felt so disjointed and incomplete that the whole thing just kind of missed the mark for me. Half the book was spent on an infidelity trope that was very obviously trying to mimic Conversations with Friends but severely lacked the nuance of Sally Rooney’s writing AND it added little to nothing to the overall premise of the book. What I’m trying to say is that I’m very confused as to what the goal was here.
May 30, 2024
absolutely and quietly devoured this book. for lovers of sad girl lit - i’m surprised this isn’t mentioned more
“you think this is the hardest thing you’ll ever go through. And i hope it is.. your pain is your pain. But listen to me now. It will pass. It will all pass.”
“you think this is the hardest thing you’ll ever go through. And i hope it is.. your pain is your pain. But listen to me now. It will pass. It will all pass.”
February 1, 2024
This is a great, quick read - perfect for travel days. Really relatable for a Jewish gal like me. Would’ve liked a stronger ending.
November 17, 2023
4.5 stars! I love reading a good Australian novel… and this was a debut which is even better!!!
August 13, 2023
I gave this book 3.5 stars. It was an interesting insight into Naomi’s life as a modern Jewish lady growing up with the weight of the cultures expectations of her in regards to career and romance. At times she is hard to like and frustrating especially in her relationships and lack of knowing what she really wants but I did she growth and maturity in the end. I really enjoy learning about different religions and cultures and so thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Thanks for the ARC Better Reading.
Thanks for the ARC Better Reading.
August 16, 2023
One Day We’re All Going To Die is a raw, unfiltered emotional read that puts the Jewish faith, customs and conflicts on display. The cover first caught my attention. A young woman dressed in dark attire with a set of white wings behind her speak to me of elements of death juxtaposed against the light. As noted in the title and her clothing, there’s a subtle nod to the paradoxes seen in this story. The Jewish girl who falls for a married Jewish man and is used by him for his own selfish needs. Later she meets a non-Jewish man who is kind and considerate but her parents aren’t happy with her dating him as he is not Jewish. The absurdity rings clear that you cannot measure a person’s character by their religion.
This is a coming of age story based on a 27 year old single Jewish woman in Melbourne named Naomi. She is raised in a ‘consciously Jewish environment’ expected to understand ‘Jewish practices and values’ to interpret, inherit and pass on these values. And although she loves her family and cares what they think of her, she is often caught in the conflicts of their cultural beliefs and practices. She wonders why they have raised her this way as ‘her own mother ate bacon more regularly than she hosted Shabbat…’ The reason, her mother claims is that they want to give her everything: ‘financial stability, but also a cultural and religious framework’ just in case a natural disaster or genocide occurs. But since her parents do not practice fully what they preach, their inconsistencies play havoc with Naomie’s development.
Naomi works at the Museum of Jewish Heritage and is good at her job but her confidence level is quite low. We see throughout the story that her insecurities are exposed in so many scenes, with the tumultuous and sometimes self- destructive life she leads. It seems she has no will power or strength of her own to stand up for herself against men who take advantage of her. The compliance she learned at home has set her up to fail. A number of times I wanted her to show resistance but she was driven by her need for acceptance. Why is she like this? It may be that her uncertainties about herself have come as a result of her family’s restrictive culture. Naomi desperately wants to lead a normal life but does not know how. In many ways she longs to be free from the pre-ordained life imposed upon her. She struggles with relationships within and outside the family.
This novel wears a lot of loss, sadness, loneliness and despair. Such as in the failed or bad relationships, the generational trauma, the movement of death that surrounds Naomi's life. It all has an effect. But the constant drone of hopelessness is punctuated with moments of dark humour. A few short victories lift the tone to a happier place. And out of her confusion, we can see for her a second chance.
This novel was a very different read for me. But I was able to appreciate the author’s ability and need to tell such a difficult story. Hearst knows her topic extremely well. She put us in Naomi’s shoes to experience her traumas, fears, passion and pleasure. From that tumultuous journey, we are able to feel the character’s desire to understand herself so that she can move forward and build a better life. One that still honours her family’s culture but also provides a measure of normalcy, freewill and choice. 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to publisher HQ Fiction and Netgalley for my review copy.
This is a coming of age story based on a 27 year old single Jewish woman in Melbourne named Naomi. She is raised in a ‘consciously Jewish environment’ expected to understand ‘Jewish practices and values’ to interpret, inherit and pass on these values. And although she loves her family and cares what they think of her, she is often caught in the conflicts of their cultural beliefs and practices. She wonders why they have raised her this way as ‘her own mother ate bacon more regularly than she hosted Shabbat…’ The reason, her mother claims is that they want to give her everything: ‘financial stability, but also a cultural and religious framework’ just in case a natural disaster or genocide occurs. But since her parents do not practice fully what they preach, their inconsistencies play havoc with Naomie’s development.
Naomi works at the Museum of Jewish Heritage and is good at her job but her confidence level is quite low. We see throughout the story that her insecurities are exposed in so many scenes, with the tumultuous and sometimes self- destructive life she leads. It seems she has no will power or strength of her own to stand up for herself against men who take advantage of her. The compliance she learned at home has set her up to fail. A number of times I wanted her to show resistance but she was driven by her need for acceptance. Why is she like this? It may be that her uncertainties about herself have come as a result of her family’s restrictive culture. Naomi desperately wants to lead a normal life but does not know how. In many ways she longs to be free from the pre-ordained life imposed upon her. She struggles with relationships within and outside the family.
This novel wears a lot of loss, sadness, loneliness and despair. Such as in the failed or bad relationships, the generational trauma, the movement of death that surrounds Naomi's life. It all has an effect. But the constant drone of hopelessness is punctuated with moments of dark humour. A few short victories lift the tone to a happier place. And out of her confusion, we can see for her a second chance.
This novel was a very different read for me. But I was able to appreciate the author’s ability and need to tell such a difficult story. Hearst knows her topic extremely well. She put us in Naomi’s shoes to experience her traumas, fears, passion and pleasure. From that tumultuous journey, we are able to feel the character’s desire to understand herself so that she can move forward and build a better life. One that still honours her family’s culture but also provides a measure of normalcy, freewill and choice. 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to publisher HQ Fiction and Netgalley for my review copy.
February 17, 2024
okay, but it could do without all that pissing
Read
January 27, 2024Woman in her late twenties is struggling with the pressures of her Jewish family and her love life. Written in a very Melbourne style that i usually get the ick from (a bit too serious and pretentious with way too many random similes), this book was so readable and provided great insight into the protagonist’s difficult family situation. It had a very derivative story line of young-girl-has-affair-with-older-man-who-treats-her-poorly, which I’ve frankly had enough of. I also felt like that element of the story didn’t really feel necessary and could’ve been lost. Also, the title is misleading. This is not an existential book.
October 14, 2023
an absolutely stunning exploration into the melbourne jewish community, dealing with grief and learning how to be okay on your own. i read the whole thing in one day and loved every second💘
October 22, 2025
I laughed and I cried!!! What a great book
October 5, 2023
Thanks to Better Reading Au for the chance to read this fabulous book. The story follows the main character Naomi, a character that has flaws like all of us but it so endearing too. We learn about her relationship with her parents and sister, and as these family ties are explained there are so many very funny moments. Just as suddenly a serious issue is addressed but so subtly and with such care the paragraphs blend beautifully and my emotions coped beautifully too. Naomi’s connection with her beloved Grand Mother Cookie is shared frequently, and Cookie herself has very funny sayings that have got her through a life full of trauma. Naomi has the utmost respect for Cookie and her Grand Dad David, even though she frequently forgets her appointments with them!
Grief is shared as well, but again in a remarkable and not sad way. As Naomi realises she has made wrong decisions, especially in regards to her love life, she returns to her family for support, nurturing and love. I read the novel very quickly and found it so enjoyable. I think the author will go far and the book will be very popular. I also loved learning more about the Jewish museum, in Melbourne, Australia.
Grief is shared as well, but again in a remarkable and not sad way. As Naomi realises she has made wrong decisions, especially in regards to her love life, she returns to her family for support, nurturing and love. I read the novel very quickly and found it so enjoyable. I think the author will go far and the book will be very popular. I also loved learning more about the Jewish museum, in Melbourne, Australia.
August 8, 2023
A modern story about a young Jewish woman and her family who loosely adhere to the traditional rituals of their ancestors. Living in inner Melbourne, Naomi’s family lack genuine communication skills and are all a bit disconnected, and Naomi seeks out meaningful connection via questionable sexual endeavours which always leave her wanting. She does however seem to have in underlying deeper tie to her grandmother Cookie, and it is through this relationship that real emotions are experienced. It was an easy read, but not sure I’d read it again.
January 4, 2025
This was going to be a 2 star for all the terrible men cheating nonsense which I just don’t want to read about anymore but it actually picked up a bit towards the end
Tbh still it’s a super weak 3* - it reads like 2 others books I’ve read recently combined (green dot that other sad Aussie Jewish girl one about death)
I’ll keep it at 3 for the readability
Tbh still it’s a super weak 3* - it reads like 2 others books I’ve read recently combined (green dot that other sad Aussie Jewish girl one about death)
I’ll keep it at 3 for the readability
May 15, 2023
For fans of Ottessa Moshfegh and Sally Rooney. As a straight non-Jewish white male in my 30s these sorts of books are surprisingly entertaining, and the writing/mood here is just spot-on. Must read when it pops up in bookstores. Plus, that title is just *chef kissy fingers*
June 21, 2023
Couldn’t put it down!! Finished in three days and forgot life existed until I finished it and reality set back in. I hope there are more books to come by Elise!
January 21, 2024
Sooooo much potential. Not enough depth. 2.5/5
October 14, 2023
At 27, Naomi is lost. Working at the Museum of Jewish Heritage, her passion shines for things that have meaning and evoke a story that must be told. A people pleaser, always wanting to make sure everyone else is happy with her and her actions. And through this over focus on everyone else, she loses focus on herself.
Naomi carries the guilt of her grandmother, Cookie, a holocaust survivor. Coarse as steel wool. Naomi visits as much as she can at the aged care facility: Naomi and Cookie have a very kindred relationship that equally annoys Naomi as it comforts her. They often unconsciously find tenderness in each other throughout the book. Naomi carries the weight of Cookie in all she does, as well as the heaviness of her mother's expectations and the frostiness of her sister. This was a fascinating perspective about a modern-day Jewish family in action from a female and matriarchal experience. The emotional impact and baggage from intergenerational families were captured so well.
Naomi lives in disappointment of herself, not knowing how to make the “right” relationship decisions to please her parents. Blind dates, one night stands with bad sexual experiences and a workplace affair make it more complex. She sacrificed her dream job after the affair with her married Jewish boss. It is only until she unpacks how this affair affected her that she can see it for what it was – an abuse of power in the workplace.
How does Naomi find life when everything screams with ghosts of the past and death reaching out among all the things and people she loves the most? She learns the hard way to create and tell her own stories and not live through the expectation of others or the history of others to find who she is.
Thank you @harpercollinsaus for the #gifted copy.
Naomi carries the guilt of her grandmother, Cookie, a holocaust survivor. Coarse as steel wool. Naomi visits as much as she can at the aged care facility: Naomi and Cookie have a very kindred relationship that equally annoys Naomi as it comforts her. They often unconsciously find tenderness in each other throughout the book. Naomi carries the weight of Cookie in all she does, as well as the heaviness of her mother's expectations and the frostiness of her sister. This was a fascinating perspective about a modern-day Jewish family in action from a female and matriarchal experience. The emotional impact and baggage from intergenerational families were captured so well.
Naomi lives in disappointment of herself, not knowing how to make the “right” relationship decisions to please her parents. Blind dates, one night stands with bad sexual experiences and a workplace affair make it more complex. She sacrificed her dream job after the affair with her married Jewish boss. It is only until she unpacks how this affair affected her that she can see it for what it was – an abuse of power in the workplace.
How does Naomi find life when everything screams with ghosts of the past and death reaching out among all the things and people she loves the most? She learns the hard way to create and tell her own stories and not live through the expectation of others or the history of others to find who she is.
Thank you @harpercollinsaus for the #gifted copy.
January 1, 2024
Naomi is 27, living in Melbourne in a house her over protective parents bought for her, and working at the Museum of Jewish Heritage. She spends her days working with historical, religious items, sharing Jewish heritage with museum visitors, and lusting after her boss Josh. When her relationship with Josh turns into a toxic affair, Naomi derails her life and career, and her family - along with her holocaust surviving grandmother Cookie, come together.
I loved the exploration of the Jewish Australian family and the dynamics between the generations and how generational trauma has impacted the younger generation. Naomi is a pretty bland and boring protagonist, things just happen to her and then she mopes about it. While her family are overbearing, she is incredibly privileged and it creates a dichotomy where she feels apologetic to everyone for what she has, whilst thankful to her family, and also somewhat resentful to them for overstepping boundaries. I liked the sections about the family and why their dynamic is what it is, but Naomi wasn't interesting and I didn't feel like I learnt anything about her thought processes or development. This is marketed as a being funny but I didn't find it funny in anyway. It's also likened to Sally Rooney, and while the writing style is different, it is about a privileged 20 something who is bumbling through life, and is generally annoying. I fear I may have aged out of the Rooney-esque "coming of age" novels which as so popular at the moment.
I loved the exploration of the Jewish Australian family and the dynamics between the generations and how generational trauma has impacted the younger generation. Naomi is a pretty bland and boring protagonist, things just happen to her and then she mopes about it. While her family are overbearing, she is incredibly privileged and it creates a dichotomy where she feels apologetic to everyone for what she has, whilst thankful to her family, and also somewhat resentful to them for overstepping boundaries. I liked the sections about the family and why their dynamic is what it is, but Naomi wasn't interesting and I didn't feel like I learnt anything about her thought processes or development. This is marketed as a being funny but I didn't find it funny in anyway. It's also likened to Sally Rooney, and while the writing style is different, it is about a privileged 20 something who is bumbling through life, and is generally annoying. I fear I may have aged out of the Rooney-esque "coming of age" novels which as so popular at the moment.
September 22, 2023
I wasn’t too sure what to expect with this novel, it’s a debut, and although I’m out of the MC’s age range, I have kids that are her age, so a lot of the emotions, actions, life choices resonates with me. Naomi is 27, and just trying to figure out her life - what with her job at the Museum Of Jewish Heritage, her flatmate, relationships, siblings, parents, and the overseeing presence of Cookie, her grandmother we meander through the life of the millennial, with particular insight into the heritage gifted to both Naomi’s mother and herself via the grandmother, who has some (understandable) grief from the past, and how it flows through the generations. On a deeper level, it looks at the idea of intergenerational trauma, of anchoring oneself to a past while striving for a future, and the weight of expectation that’s present when growing up in a particular culture.
The blurb touts it as being fiercely honest, funny, and fearless, and I’d say 2 out of 3 ain’t bad. Again: age thing.
The blurb touts it as being fiercely honest, funny, and fearless, and I’d say 2 out of 3 ain’t bad. Again: age thing.
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