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16 hangovers: a drunken adventure of divorce, dating and midlife reinvention
“Therapy is for lunatics and losers” is Marc’s opinion until he finds himself at couples’ therapy struggling with his wife, his life … and a hangover.
After sleepwalking through midlife-complacency in Copenhagen, his wife’s affair with her boss kickstarts 16 hangovers in 16 chapters of drinking, dating, rock’n’roll and a devastating sense of loss.
Linda is Marc’s best friend and an empowered but chronically single children’s tv-host. She challenges Marc’s preconceived notions of relationships, gender roles and sex from the other end of the relationship-spectrum. A parallel quest for love ensues. A drunken tango with Tinder and tradition, dick pics and deliberation, set in the afterglow of Marc’s career in rock music.
– Fuck the pain away.
Linda, 34, children’s tv-host.
– Play the pain away.
Charlie, 40, musician.
– Drink the pain away.
Billy, 70, rock`n´roll icon.
“16 HANGOVERS” is a brutally honest, funny and touching tale of divorce, love and midlife reinvention. The lovechild of “Kramer vs. Kramer” and “Californication” set in an authentic music business backdrop.
“the structure is a stroke of genius … hilariously funny …”
Anne Glad, “The Book Program”, Danish National Radio, DR
”16 hangovers is wonderfully politically incorrect – therapy doesn’t work but whisky and Slayer do”
HERNING FOLKEBLAD ****
”a humorous and touching autofictional novel … There are very few compassionate books about divorce written from a male perspective. “16 hangovers” is one of them.”
the Danish National Libraries, associate professor review
After sleepwalking through midlife-complacency in Copenhagen, his wife’s affair with her boss kickstarts 16 hangovers in 16 chapters of drinking, dating, rock’n’roll and a devastating sense of loss.
Linda is Marc’s best friend and an empowered but chronically single children’s tv-host. She challenges Marc’s preconceived notions of relationships, gender roles and sex from the other end of the relationship-spectrum. A parallel quest for love ensues. A drunken tango with Tinder and tradition, dick pics and deliberation, set in the afterglow of Marc’s career in rock music.
– Fuck the pain away.
Linda, 34, children’s tv-host.
– Play the pain away.
Charlie, 40, musician.
– Drink the pain away.
Billy, 70, rock`n´roll icon.
“16 HANGOVERS” is a brutally honest, funny and touching tale of divorce, love and midlife reinvention. The lovechild of “Kramer vs. Kramer” and “Californication” set in an authentic music business backdrop.
“the structure is a stroke of genius … hilariously funny …”
Anne Glad, “The Book Program”, Danish National Radio, DR
”16 hangovers is wonderfully politically incorrect – therapy doesn’t work but whisky and Slayer do”
HERNING FOLKEBLAD ****
”a humorous and touching autofictional novel … There are very few compassionate books about divorce written from a male perspective. “16 hangovers” is one of them.”
the Danish National Libraries, associate professor review
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 8, 2023
Marcus Winther-John's novel, 16 Hangovers, offers an engaging and professional take on the painful journey of heartbreak and healing. The story revolves around Marc and Mia Mahler, a couple who decided to end their blissful 20-year marriage, leaving Marc to process his grief and come to terms with the end of his relationship. Through the lens of Marc's drunken and emotional state, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery that explores themes of love, heartbreak, and healing.
The author brilliantly sets the story's tone from the beginning, introducing readers to the main character's inner turmoil and his struggles to come to terms with the world around him. The use of musical references and guitar jargon adds a unique touch to the story, providing readers with an intriguing insight into the European music scene. The narrative of heavy themes such as heartbreak is made light and bearable, making the book a delightful read. One of the things that I appreciated about the book was its honest portrayal of the breakup process and how it affects individuals. The story offers a refreshing take on the moving-on process, acknowledging that sometimes it's okay to submit to your hurt and that healing is not always linear. As the story progresses, Marc's actions and thoughts contradict each other, keeping the reader's curiosity piqued until the end.
Overall, I highly recommend 16 Hangovers to anyone going through a difficult time in their life. The book is a great motivator to continue choosing love despite the pain and encourages readers to explore their inner selves. I hope this book reaches readers who can relate to the same experience. This book is perfect for music lovers and fans of "Daisy Jones and The Six," as it intertwines songs and lyrics for the full narrative effect.
The author brilliantly sets the story's tone from the beginning, introducing readers to the main character's inner turmoil and his struggles to come to terms with the world around him. The use of musical references and guitar jargon adds a unique touch to the story, providing readers with an intriguing insight into the European music scene. The narrative of heavy themes such as heartbreak is made light and bearable, making the book a delightful read. One of the things that I appreciated about the book was its honest portrayal of the breakup process and how it affects individuals. The story offers a refreshing take on the moving-on process, acknowledging that sometimes it's okay to submit to your hurt and that healing is not always linear. As the story progresses, Marc's actions and thoughts contradict each other, keeping the reader's curiosity piqued until the end.
Overall, I highly recommend 16 Hangovers to anyone going through a difficult time in their life. The book is a great motivator to continue choosing love despite the pain and encourages readers to explore their inner selves. I hope this book reaches readers who can relate to the same experience. This book is perfect for music lovers and fans of "Daisy Jones and The Six," as it intertwines songs and lyrics for the full narrative effect.
February 2, 2026
"16 Hangovers is a raw, funny, and surprisingly heartfelt journey through divorce, dating, and midlife reinvention. With sharp humor and emotional honesty, Marc’s story balances rock ’n’ roll chaos with real vulnerability. The structure keeps the pace lively, while the reflections on relationships and identity give the book depth. An entertaining and relatable read that blends wit, pain, and growth in equal measure."
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews