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Big Nobody
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Expected 10 Mar 26A wickedly funny coming-of-age novel about a misfit teenager in London determined to eliminate the one thing standing between her and a good life: her father
I think it’s safe to say that my father was probably always an abomination of nature.
It’s 1974 in London and Connie Costa’s already pitiful life has gone off the rails. She’s spiraling from the loss of her mother and younger brothers in a tragic accident. And the man responsible is her Dad—otherwise known as “The Fat Murderer.”
Kept at home under his increasingly tyrannical rule, Connie is an outcast who spends her nights conversing with the David Bowie poster on her wall and raiding her stash of whiskey and chocolate. Her only social outlet is the weekly gatherings with her father and their immigrant community of Greek “Freaks.” There she finds her life’s one bright sneaking off with her friend Vas to smoke cigarettes, debate literature, and joke about whether it is finally time to run away together. But when Connie sees an opportunity to get out from under her father’s thumb for good, she must make a perilous decision that will change her forever.
Devastatingly tender and riotously funny, Alex Kadis’ Big Nobody tells a warmhearted story about the rocky path to finding ourselves and the people who keep us afloat.
I think it’s safe to say that my father was probably always an abomination of nature.
It’s 1974 in London and Connie Costa’s already pitiful life has gone off the rails. She’s spiraling from the loss of her mother and younger brothers in a tragic accident. And the man responsible is her Dad—otherwise known as “The Fat Murderer.”
Kept at home under his increasingly tyrannical rule, Connie is an outcast who spends her nights conversing with the David Bowie poster on her wall and raiding her stash of whiskey and chocolate. Her only social outlet is the weekly gatherings with her father and their immigrant community of Greek “Freaks.” There she finds her life’s one bright sneaking off with her friend Vas to smoke cigarettes, debate literature, and joke about whether it is finally time to run away together. But when Connie sees an opportunity to get out from under her father’s thumb for good, she must make a perilous decision that will change her forever.
Devastatingly tender and riotously funny, Alex Kadis’ Big Nobody tells a warmhearted story about the rocky path to finding ourselves and the people who keep us afloat.
- GenresFiction
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication March 10, 2026
13 people are currently reading
8588 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
October 9, 2025
i love when a book makes it so easy to give it five stars
January 17, 2026
read a proof copy of this for the little bookshop
i really loved the first half. connie’s stream of consciousness was funny and felt authentically juvenile (in a good way). however towards the middle/end of the book the plot became a bit ridiculous to me and i felt it could have been a 100 pages shorter and more effective. having said that, the ending was satisfying to me
i really loved the first half. connie’s stream of consciousness was funny and felt authentically juvenile (in a good way). however towards the middle/end of the book the plot became a bit ridiculous to me and i felt it could have been a 100 pages shorter and more effective. having said that, the ending was satisfying to me
December 19, 2025
Big Nobody is a stream of consciousness spewed out from our girl Connie, a teenager growing up in the Greek community in London during the 1970’s. Stuck in an abusive household with her father she deemed the ‘Fat Murderer,’ grappling with the loss of her mother and two twin brothers, Connie struggles to make through each day, let alone actually figure out who she actually is. Armed with the escapism of rock and roll, and her two imaginary friends, Marc Bolan and David Bowie, Connie devises a plan to murder her father, and rid the world of the one thing holding her back in life.
Sometimes the prose feels suffocating and never ending, but it makes you sit with it, kind of making you feel trapped in the same way that Connie does. Too young to leave an abusive father, made feel like nothing, a big nobody. I found myself feeling uncomfortable in a way that was felt reminiscent of being 15, not knowing who you are, but not knowing how to avoid becoming who you don’t want to be. Parents who are supposed to protect you from the world being the very ones that are crueler than the rest of the world.
While I enjoyed the glimpses into Greek culture, I don’t know if the writing quite worked for me. Too much detail into small things like the knick knacks in ones household, to the point that relationships felt like an afterthought to me. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to feel that Connie was keeping me at arms length due to her trauma, or if I was missing a connection that was supposed to have formed. I will say, the last chapter or two out a little smile on my face.
Check out Big Nobody on March 10th, 2026.
Sometimes the prose feels suffocating and never ending, but it makes you sit with it, kind of making you feel trapped in the same way that Connie does. Too young to leave an abusive father, made feel like nothing, a big nobody. I found myself feeling uncomfortable in a way that was felt reminiscent of being 15, not knowing who you are, but not knowing how to avoid becoming who you don’t want to be. Parents who are supposed to protect you from the world being the very ones that are crueler than the rest of the world.
While I enjoyed the glimpses into Greek culture, I don’t know if the writing quite worked for me. Too much detail into small things like the knick knacks in ones household, to the point that relationships felt like an afterthought to me. I wasn’t sure if I was supposed to feel that Connie was keeping me at arms length due to her trauma, or if I was missing a connection that was supposed to have formed. I will say, the last chapter or two out a little smile on my face.
Check out Big Nobody on March 10th, 2026.
October 26, 2025
BOOK REPORT
Received a complimentary copy of Big Nobody, by Alex Kadis, from Random House/NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.
Once again, here I am, not really the target market for a book.
I tried, hard, to like it. Started it yesterday, then put it down when I realized I was paying more attention to the Ole Miss-Oklahoma football game than the story.
Tried again late this afternoon, but didn’t even make it a quarter of the way through before giving up. Couldn’t connect with anything in the book, and found it just generally…..ummm…vulgar? Crass? Something like that? Definitely more juvenile in the pejorative sense of the word than I’d expected.
Oh, well. Such is life.
DESCRIPTION
A wickedly funny coming-of-age novel about a misfit teenager in London determined to eliminate the one thing standing between her and a good life: her father
I think it’s safe to say that my father was probably always an abomination of nature.
It’s 1974 in London and Connie Costa’s already pitiful life has gone off the rails. She’s spiraling from the loss of her mother and younger brothers in a tragic accident. And the man responsible is her Dad—otherwise known as “The Fat Murderer.”
Kept at home under his increasingly tyrannical rule, Connie is an outcast who spends her nights conversing with the David Bowie poster on her wall and raiding her stash of whiskey and chocolate. Her only social outlet is the weekly gatherings with her father and their immigrant community of Greek “Freaks.” There she finds her life’s one bright spot: sneaking off with her friend Vas to smoke cigarettes, debate literature, and joke about whether it is finally time to run away together. But when Connie sees an opportunity to get out from under her father’s thumb for good, she must make a perilous decision that will change her forever.
Received a complimentary copy of Big Nobody, by Alex Kadis, from Random House/NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.
Once again, here I am, not really the target market for a book.
I tried, hard, to like it. Started it yesterday, then put it down when I realized I was paying more attention to the Ole Miss-Oklahoma football game than the story.
Tried again late this afternoon, but didn’t even make it a quarter of the way through before giving up. Couldn’t connect with anything in the book, and found it just generally…..ummm…vulgar? Crass? Something like that? Definitely more juvenile in the pejorative sense of the word than I’d expected.
Oh, well. Such is life.
DESCRIPTION
A wickedly funny coming-of-age novel about a misfit teenager in London determined to eliminate the one thing standing between her and a good life: her father
I think it’s safe to say that my father was probably always an abomination of nature.
It’s 1974 in London and Connie Costa’s already pitiful life has gone off the rails. She’s spiraling from the loss of her mother and younger brothers in a tragic accident. And the man responsible is her Dad—otherwise known as “The Fat Murderer.”
Kept at home under his increasingly tyrannical rule, Connie is an outcast who spends her nights conversing with the David Bowie poster on her wall and raiding her stash of whiskey and chocolate. Her only social outlet is the weekly gatherings with her father and their immigrant community of Greek “Freaks.” There she finds her life’s one bright spot: sneaking off with her friend Vas to smoke cigarettes, debate literature, and joke about whether it is finally time to run away together. But when Connie sees an opportunity to get out from under her father’s thumb for good, she must make a perilous decision that will change her forever.
October 23, 2025
Set in 1970's we follow our misfit teen Connie Costa who is planning potentially murder and an escape, both of which she is consulting with her posters of David Bowie and Marc Bolon about. The planned murder is of her abusive father, whom she appropriately calls Fat Murderer as he was driving the night the family car crashed with her mother and younger brothers were inside. Connie is like any teenager, sneaking cigs, whiskey and having sex for the first time but her father believes her actions are too extreme and punishes her for it. Connie finds some reprieve in her extended Greek family, particularly Connie's aunt, who attempts to alleviate the tension between Connie and her father throughout the book. Over the course of the book the relationship becomes more and more strained and ultimately comes to a surprising conclusion.
The narration of Connie is fun, defiant and truly badass. It is a more honest portrait of teenage girls, emphasising the unhinged behaviour, the unjust way the world treats you and the expectations that girls are imposed with. The book is laced with humour throughout which counteracts the more heavy side of this story. I read this for a few days in large chunks and the pacing kept me engaged throughout which was emphasised by the quick and witty language. I would definitely recommend this read for those who enjoy a coming of age story with grit, humour and excellent 70s references! Thank you to Hutchinson and Heinenamm for sending the proof copy of this read to me!
The narration of Connie is fun, defiant and truly badass. It is a more honest portrait of teenage girls, emphasising the unhinged behaviour, the unjust way the world treats you and the expectations that girls are imposed with. The book is laced with humour throughout which counteracts the more heavy side of this story. I read this for a few days in large chunks and the pacing kept me engaged throughout which was emphasised by the quick and witty language. I would definitely recommend this read for those who enjoy a coming of age story with grit, humour and excellent 70s references! Thank you to Hutchinson and Heinenamm for sending the proof copy of this read to me!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Big Nobody is a deceptively gritty read softened by humour and charm, with one of the most memorable protagonists I can remember. It made me feel like I was reading Angus Thongs again or a darker Jacqueline Wilson novel.
Connie Costa dreams of leaving behind her life in 70s East London, her Greek-Cypriot community, and most importantly, her father — The Fat Murderer — so-called since the untimely death of her mother. If Connie ever wants to get out, she has no choice but to kill him. But like all teenage declarations of rebellion, I don’t believe Connie is seriously going to go through with this.
However, over the course of the novel, shared via confessions to the rockstars on her wall, we learn why she wants to go through with such an act and why she’s been siphoning money from her dad’s wallet. It explains why she despises her Greekness, and why she seeks solace in speaking to those like Bowie who she perceives as free and able to live life on their own terms.
There are some wonderful secondary characters in this book — including her friend and love interest, Vas, the only other outsider to Greek life — who support Connie in the throes of grief and in her dreams to run away.
Big Nobody is a rare book that had me laughing then tearing up within sentences, and when you read this you’ll be rooting for Connie all the way, as ridiculous as her plans to kill her father are.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an early copy!
Connie Costa dreams of leaving behind her life in 70s East London, her Greek-Cypriot community, and most importantly, her father — The Fat Murderer — so-called since the untimely death of her mother. If Connie ever wants to get out, she has no choice but to kill him. But like all teenage declarations of rebellion, I don’t believe Connie is seriously going to go through with this.
However, over the course of the novel, shared via confessions to the rockstars on her wall, we learn why she wants to go through with such an act and why she’s been siphoning money from her dad’s wallet. It explains why she despises her Greekness, and why she seeks solace in speaking to those like Bowie who she perceives as free and able to live life on their own terms.
There are some wonderful secondary characters in this book — including her friend and love interest, Vas, the only other outsider to Greek life — who support Connie in the throes of grief and in her dreams to run away.
Big Nobody is a rare book that had me laughing then tearing up within sentences, and when you read this you’ll be rooting for Connie all the way, as ridiculous as her plans to kill her father are.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an early copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for this eARC in exchange for an honest review,
Big Nobody is indeed a darkly funny coming-of-age story about a Greek Cypriot teenage girl (Constance) growing up with an abusive father in the 1970s. She laments to posters of Mark Bolan and David Bowie in her room, falls in love with a friend, and plots to murder her Dad.
The early chapters of the book reeled me in, and the style is distinctly juvenile (on purpose, not a bad thing), which was perfect for the events that she describes and that she cares about. It can be crass in parts, in a gross teenager way, which was not my favourite, but it does fit the subject.
Unfortunately it dragged in the middle for me as we got lost in minutia of multiple failed murder plots and various other benign parties and school episodes. The pacing was a bit off. It was saved by the very last couple of chapters and especially the last line.
I think it was set to be an incredibly poignant story that I would have preferred a bit shorter, however the exploration of trauma from a teenage girl's eyes was something I don't see very often, and I did really feel for our heroine and root for her throughout.
Big Nobody is indeed a darkly funny coming-of-age story about a Greek Cypriot teenage girl (Constance) growing up with an abusive father in the 1970s. She laments to posters of Mark Bolan and David Bowie in her room, falls in love with a friend, and plots to murder her Dad.
The early chapters of the book reeled me in, and the style is distinctly juvenile (on purpose, not a bad thing), which was perfect for the events that she describes and that she cares about. It can be crass in parts, in a gross teenager way, which was not my favourite, but it does fit the subject.
Unfortunately it dragged in the middle for me as we got lost in minutia of multiple failed murder plots and various other benign parties and school episodes. The pacing was a bit off. It was saved by the very last couple of chapters and especially the last line.
I think it was set to be an incredibly poignant story that I would have preferred a bit shorter, however the exploration of trauma from a teenage girl's eyes was something I don't see very often, and I did really feel for our heroine and root for her throughout.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Teenage years can be brutal.
It was 1975 and Constance struggled as a 14-year-old in London with a father that was abusive at times and mother who had died. She thought her father wasn’t aware, but he knew she was trying to cope while stealing money, drinking whiskey, smoking cigarettes and putting dirty socks in his pockets.
They were Greek with men who controlled the women in those days. The story had lots of events with food, music and dancing. Constance was fond of a boy, Vas, that made her father upset. He helped her get through some of the challenges of feeling like an outsider. Music was also something she craved.
Yet, I found Constance to be unlikable hiding behind her insecurities while spitting out offensive words to her father, family and friends. She made fun of him constantly calling him names. She needed a good therapist!
At 16, her father took her to Cyprus where she met his Greek family and had more adventures. She also found a philosopher who shared with her some words of wisdom. I enjoyed the final chapters the most with a satisfying ending.
My thanks to Random House and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of March 10, 2026. The views I share are my own.
It was 1975 and Constance struggled as a 14-year-old in London with a father that was abusive at times and mother who had died. She thought her father wasn’t aware, but he knew she was trying to cope while stealing money, drinking whiskey, smoking cigarettes and putting dirty socks in his pockets.
They were Greek with men who controlled the women in those days. The story had lots of events with food, music and dancing. Constance was fond of a boy, Vas, that made her father upset. He helped her get through some of the challenges of feeling like an outsider. Music was also something she craved.
Yet, I found Constance to be unlikable hiding behind her insecurities while spitting out offensive words to her father, family and friends. She made fun of him constantly calling him names. She needed a good therapist!
At 16, her father took her to Cyprus where she met his Greek family and had more adventures. She also found a philosopher who shared with her some words of wisdom. I enjoyed the final chapters the most with a satisfying ending.
My thanks to Random House and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of March 10, 2026. The views I share are my own.
December 9, 2025
Constantina Costa is an angry teenager living with her Greek Cypriot father in 1970s UK. She plots to kill him, referring to him as The Fat Murderer because she holds him responsible for the death of her British mother and two younger brothers.
Connie finds solace in her love for Marc Bolan and David Bowie, whose posters she frequently consults in her bedroom about her miserable life, which has been so touched by tragedy and darkness. She develops a loving relationship with Vas, a Greek Cypriot boy who 'gets' her and is a ray of sunshine in a world where Greekness threatens to suffocate her.
I absolutely adored this nostalgic coming-of-age novel (which is totally from my era) and was cheering Connie on from the sidelines. The scenes in which Connie is enveloped by her Greek heritage and 'aunties' were incredibly warm and funny, and I loved the music, food and pop culture references.
This would make such a great television series. The sassy Connie deserves her moment on the small screen.
Highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance review copy of this novel.
Connie finds solace in her love for Marc Bolan and David Bowie, whose posters she frequently consults in her bedroom about her miserable life, which has been so touched by tragedy and darkness. She develops a loving relationship with Vas, a Greek Cypriot boy who 'gets' her and is a ray of sunshine in a world where Greekness threatens to suffocate her.
I absolutely adored this nostalgic coming-of-age novel (which is totally from my era) and was cheering Connie on from the sidelines. The scenes in which Connie is enveloped by her Greek heritage and 'aunties' were incredibly warm and funny, and I loved the music, food and pop culture references.
This would make such a great television series. The sassy Connie deserves her moment on the small screen.
Highly recommended.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance review copy of this novel.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Random House & NetGalley for the advanced reading copy! Living under the rule of her Greek Cypriot father in the UK during the 1970s, Connie Costa is living in a miserable life after the tragic death of her mom and two younger brothers. She blames her father for the tragic accident that took their lives. Referring to her father as the Fat Murder because he was the one driving the night of the terrible crash. Kept at home with his abuse, she finds solace in her posters of David Bowie and and Marc Bolon. She also finds solace with the Greek Cypriot, Vas. Together they smoke and talk literature. When she finally sees the opportunity to escape, she goes to extreme measures to go for it.
I really did enjoy most of the book but the flash forward wasn't my favorite. The twist is really good at the end so it does make up for it in my opinion. I also really loved all the pop culture references! The book kept me engaged in the story even during the flash forward that I didn't enjoy. I could still appreciate the author's writing. Overall, I would definitely recommend this one to anyone who likes a funny and witting coming of age story with solid storytelling!
I really did enjoy most of the book but the flash forward wasn't my favorite. The twist is really good at the end so it does make up for it in my opinion. I also really loved all the pop culture references! The book kept me engaged in the story even during the flash forward that I didn't enjoy. I could still appreciate the author's writing. Overall, I would definitely recommend this one to anyone who likes a funny and witting coming of age story with solid storytelling!
October 8, 2025
This book is about a half-Cypriot teenager in the 70s, living with her hated widowed father, and how she tries to escape her heritage.
I loved all the 70s references, and finding out about life in a Greek community then. Her father doesn’t want her to be a British teenager and a lot of the book is about how she tries to rebel against him.
This was five star until the last few chapters, set in 2007, when I thought it was overlong and with too much unnecessary detail. The final twist was good though.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
I loved all the 70s references, and finding out about life in a Greek community then. Her father doesn’t want her to be a British teenager and a lot of the book is about how she tries to rebel against him.
This was five star until the last few chapters, set in 2007, when I thought it was overlong and with too much unnecessary detail. The final twist was good though.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
November 28, 2025
After Connie's mother dies, leaving her trapped in her Greek Cypriot origin story and at the mercy of a father who seems determined to ruin her life, she is determined to escape. Luckily, she does have Vas, her best friend, who is just as much of an odd one out.
But are Connie's dreams of meeting David Bowie doomed to disappointment? Or can she perhaps find a different way of meeting her wish for another kind of life, a life where she can finally be someone?
Atmospheric, funny, and endearing, but with an edge, this story will appeal to many readers, and for a variety of reasons - multiculturalism, coming of age, the yearning for self realisation, and dysfunctional family relationships, to name just a few. It gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
But are Connie's dreams of meeting David Bowie doomed to disappointment? Or can she perhaps find a different way of meeting her wish for another kind of life, a life where she can finally be someone?
Atmospheric, funny, and endearing, but with an edge, this story will appeal to many readers, and for a variety of reasons - multiculturalism, coming of age, the yearning for self realisation, and dysfunctional family relationships, to name just a few. It gets 3.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
November 2, 2025
Thank you Net Galley and Random House for the ARC!
I wanted to enjoy this book but it wasn’t for me. The story follows a young Connie and her mission to kill her sleezy father, referred to as “the fat murderer”. It takes place across a span of 30 years and is I suppose a story of identity, resentment, love, and family. I skimmed half of this book and still knew what was going on, lots of inner monologue from Connie which left me feeling a bit exhausted.
Overall I felt like this book was similar in style to Sally Rooney’s “normal people” which was a smash for a lot of people, but not my fave so maybe that’s why the book didn’t resonate with me. 2 stars because I appreciate the Greek culture throughout the story, the plot in general, and the love story.
I wanted to enjoy this book but it wasn’t for me. The story follows a young Connie and her mission to kill her sleezy father, referred to as “the fat murderer”. It takes place across a span of 30 years and is I suppose a story of identity, resentment, love, and family. I skimmed half of this book and still knew what was going on, lots of inner monologue from Connie which left me feeling a bit exhausted.
Overall I felt like this book was similar in style to Sally Rooney’s “normal people” which was a smash for a lot of people, but not my fave so maybe that’s why the book didn’t resonate with me. 2 stars because I appreciate the Greek culture throughout the story, the plot in general, and the love story.
November 19, 2025
mixed opinions about this one. i liked the characters, the written greek accents and the build-up to the Big Twist, but around the third act i lost interest.
the main issue i had was with the weird pacing. it was allllll over the place and it got worse as the story progressed. sometimes a day would take up multiple chapters and then there would be a six month time skip between one chapter and the next. there’s also this random decade long time skip i thought was stupid and unnecessary to a point where i hope it’s intentionally bad and not just straight up bad. i didn’t like the writing style for that part of the book either because it works just fine if let adolescents talk, but not if your mc is 45.
(thanks netgalley for the arc)
the main issue i had was with the weird pacing. it was allllll over the place and it got worse as the story progressed. sometimes a day would take up multiple chapters and then there would be a six month time skip between one chapter and the next. there’s also this random decade long time skip i thought was stupid and unnecessary to a point where i hope it’s intentionally bad and not just straight up bad. i didn’t like the writing style for that part of the book either because it works just fine if let adolescents talk, but not if your mc is 45.
(thanks netgalley for the arc)
January 20, 2026
Alex Kadis' Big Nobody is a coming of age story told through the lens of Connie, a teenager in the UK during the 1970's in the aftermath of a family tragedy where her mother and two brothers died in a car accident, leaving her with her father whom she calls "The Fat Murderer" throughout the book. Connie is an outcast at school, and her father keeps her at home, outside of large Greek gatherings ("Freaks") in the community they go to. She comforts herself by speaking with posters of male artists she has on her bedroom walls. The one ray of light in her life is the friendship she has with Vas, and who she is terrified of losing. This is such a unique coming of age tale- Connie is one of a kind and the reader has to root for her. Many will enjoy this one, despite the challenging circumstances Connie goes through in the book.
Thank you to Random House via NetGalley for the advance reader copy in exchange for honest review.
Thank you to Random House via NetGalley for the advance reader copy in exchange for honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a free DRC of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. I got a little nervous when I saw that this was a stream of consciousness book because those are not usually my style. However, the story moved along at a good pace. The abuse scenes were really hard for me to read. One of the things I liked the least about the book (other than very little recrimination for the abusers) was the 30-year-jump in storytelling. I think that should have been the heart of the book when Constance finally gets to be an adult and do things her own way, but that is fast-forwarded so the nicely-wrapped up ending feels a bit hollow. TW: There is a lot of child abuse and domestic abuse and teens having sexual encounters.
November 3, 2025
Reminiscent of “Are You There God? It’s me, Margaret”, “Big Nobody” follows Constantine Costa on a journey through not only the perils of adolescence, but also navigation of her Greek roots. Connie’s ramblings are often difficult to follow; however, we catch small glimpses of her trauma through her coping mechanisms. This was a rough read and may be triggering for victims of sexual or domestic abuse. It’s a tale of overcoming a difficult childhood, but I did feel things were a bit too neatly wrapped up for such a complex backstory. Thank you to Random House and Net Galley for a copy of this book. This review is my own opinion.
November 30, 2025
It's not that I didn't like this - I did - it just blew hot and cold for me. There were times that the story felt real and I felt some sympathy towards Connie. Most times, however, she was wholly unlikable and talking sh*t about everyone and everything.
Her "growth" seemed a little forced and out of character. I just didn't buy it. I did enjoy the look at Greek/Cypriot customs and families -- that was quite interesting.
All in all, this kept me engaged, interested, and semi-invested. That's a win in my book.
Would I read more from the author? Yes, I would.
I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.
Her "growth" seemed a little forced and out of character. I just didn't buy it. I did enjoy the look at Greek/Cypriot customs and families -- that was quite interesting.
All in all, this kept me engaged, interested, and semi-invested. That's a win in my book.
Would I read more from the author? Yes, I would.
I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and my review is being left freely.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
I enjoyed this. It was a quick read, darkly humorous but also quite tragic. It’s a kind of coming of age novel set in 1970s London, told from the perspective of a half Cypriot teenage girl whose mother and brothers have died, leaving her living with her utterly awful father. It reminded me of My Sister the Serial Killer or How to Kill Your Family in terms of general vibe. It’s a tough read in places because it touches on episodes of assault and sexual abuse, so it’s not an easy read, but it is hopeful and very funny in places. I enjoyed the depictions of the Cypriot community and characters too - they were very vivid.
I enjoyed this. It was a quick read, darkly humorous but also quite tragic. It’s a kind of coming of age novel set in 1970s London, told from the perspective of a half Cypriot teenage girl whose mother and brothers have died, leaving her living with her utterly awful father. It reminded me of My Sister the Serial Killer or How to Kill Your Family in terms of general vibe. It’s a tough read in places because it touches on episodes of assault and sexual abuse, so it’s not an easy read, but it is hopeful and very funny in places. I enjoyed the depictions of the Cypriot community and characters too - they were very vivid.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Connie Costa is certainly an original - she'll have you laughing out loud on one page, and break your heart the next. I found her story to be something of a mixed bag; it opens with levity and humour, and the tone is relatable, especially in her encounters with her father The Fat Murderer.
However, after the first few chapters, the tone shifts and turns much darker, almost uncomfortably so. There's an unexpected pain in Connie's world, and I wasn't prepared for it. From then on, the book becomes chaotic.
For all its twists and turns, and maybe a sprinkling of the absolutely implausible, I really did enjoy the ending.
However, after the first few chapters, the tone shifts and turns much darker, almost uncomfortably so. There's an unexpected pain in Connie's world, and I wasn't prepared for it. From then on, the book becomes chaotic.
For all its twists and turns, and maybe a sprinkling of the absolutely implausible, I really did enjoy the ending.
October 16, 2025
This was a welcome surprise, a well written coming of age novel from a debut novelist. The narrative voice of Connie is poignantly authentic and the reader shares in her hopes and the crushing humiliations imposed on her by her controlling father. ‘Big Nobody’ is also darkly funny in places, I particularly enjoyed the conversations Connie shared with the Bolan and Bowie posters on her bedroom wall and her feisty Greek Cypriot aunties. The 1970s are vividly evoked and, as a fellow teenager of the decade, I found Connie’s struggles to find her identity very relatable.
October 20, 2025
A coming of edge novel set in an area of London I know well, Walthamstow, in the 70s. Greek Cypriot teenager Connie Costa hates her father and has been gathering a getaway fund to escape. All she wants to do is meet boys at discos in the normal way but her dad, whom she calls The Murderer, wants her to marry a nice boy.
It's mildly amusing in places, particularly the family gatherings, and I enjoyed the 70s references.
It's written in quite a disjointed and rambling way and didn't quite keep my attention from wandering, hence 3.5 out of 5.
It's mildly amusing in places, particularly the family gatherings, and I enjoyed the 70s references.
It's written in quite a disjointed and rambling way and didn't quite keep my attention from wandering, hence 3.5 out of 5.
October 29, 2025
Fifteen year old Connie is bitterly angry with the Fat Murderer (otherwise known as her father) over the car accident that caused the death of her mother and two young brothers. She is all consumed with plotting her father’s death and her escape from his control and brutality towards her. There is humor and sadness as Connie navigates her journey into adulthood. This book definitely captured my attention and brought back memories of being a teenager not knowing what the world had in store for us. This ARC was provided by Random House Publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Living with her Greek Cypriot dad after the death of mum and twin brothers, constance is pulled between her Cypriot heritage and living as a teenager in Britain.
Resentful and blaming her dad for the deaths. Family secrets unravel within the Cypriot community.
Desperate to escape from her dad on her 16th birthday plans do not go to plan.
A book that will make you remember how it feels to be a teenager and at the mercy of the adults in the family. Caught between being a child and young adulthood as well as two cultures.
Resentful and blaming her dad for the deaths. Family secrets unravel within the Cypriot community.
Desperate to escape from her dad on her 16th birthday plans do not go to plan.
A book that will make you remember how it feels to be a teenager and at the mercy of the adults in the family. Caught between being a child and young adulthood as well as two cultures.
September 20, 2025
I was entertained from the get-go. The author has a unique ability to make it seem like the character is having a conversation with you, while making it clear that although she’s humorous, she doesn’t care what you think. It was particularly impressive, given the darkness of some of the subject matter due to her troubled relationship with her father. As she grows older, the tone of the book changes but it’s still good. I enjoyed this coming-of-age story.
September 19, 2025
3.5. Beginning of book is laugh out loud funny, told from the perspective of teenaged girl living alone with her widowed father. She seriously hates her abusive and obnoxious Greek father who prohibits her from being a normal teenager. The book gets more serious toward the middle and end. I enjoyed watching the heroine grow into herself and appreciate her Greek background. Recommend book.
September 28, 2025
This is a fascinating novel about Connie whose mother and two brothers died in a car accident. Dad is abusive and keeps her under lock and key until she decides to take matters into her own hands. She goes from being the proverbial 'Nobody" to Somebody as she realizes she has more power than she knows!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you, Random House, for providing the copy of Big Nobody by Alex Kadis. Connie’s view of her life was bleak and her escape to imaginary conversations with Marc Bolan and David Bowie felt strange, the book was hard to get involved in. I’m glad I didn’t quit, because I loved how things came together at the end. 3 stars
January 9, 2026
This was a bit of a slow build for me that took a few chapters to get into but once I settled into it, I came to really enjoy it!
This is one of those books that'll have you laughing one minute then tearing up the next, all in one chapter; the dark humour throughout lifted the story whilst still not taking anything away from the heavier, more emotional plot points. There were a lot of moments that resonated with me & I think some readers will relate to. I enjoyed the overall coming-of-age theme where we're taken through Con's teenagehood as she's figuring herself out & looking back on events that have shaped her as well as helping us understand why she wants to get rid of her father, The Fat Murderer.
I especially enjoyed the blossoming romance between Con & her childhood friend Vas— a lot of the scenes between them were my favourite. I loved how even amidst the dramatic & heavy overarching plot, there was still a core that made the overall book quite heartwarming & entertaining. With the 70s setting for majority of the book, I can imagine how nostalgic this will also be for some readers, as well as the general relatable moments of being a teenage girl. I thought the ending was also lovely, a little on the predictable side but this didn't disappoint me.
I had big Angus, Thongs & Perfect Snogging vibes with this one & I'd love to be able to read it again for the first time. Highly recommend for readers who love coming-of-age books with loveable protagonists & an interesting murder plot.
Thank you Hutchinson Heinemann & Netgalley for the free eARC!
This is one of those books that'll have you laughing one minute then tearing up the next, all in one chapter; the dark humour throughout lifted the story whilst still not taking anything away from the heavier, more emotional plot points. There were a lot of moments that resonated with me & I think some readers will relate to. I enjoyed the overall coming-of-age theme where we're taken through Con's teenagehood as she's figuring herself out & looking back on events that have shaped her as well as helping us understand why she wants to get rid of her father, The Fat Murderer.
I especially enjoyed the blossoming romance between Con & her childhood friend Vas— a lot of the scenes between them were my favourite. I loved how even amidst the dramatic & heavy overarching plot, there was still a core that made the overall book quite heartwarming & entertaining. With the 70s setting for majority of the book, I can imagine how nostalgic this will also be for some readers, as well as the general relatable moments of being a teenage girl. I thought the ending was also lovely, a little on the predictable side but this didn't disappoint me.
I had big Angus, Thongs & Perfect Snogging vibes with this one & I'd love to be able to read it again for the first time. Highly recommend for readers who love coming-of-age books with loveable protagonists & an interesting murder plot.
Thank you Hutchinson Heinemann & Netgalley for the free eARC!
November 14, 2025
I think I’m not the target demographic of this book, so the narration didn’t really resonate with me. I did enjoy the colorful cast of characters & glam rock references, and I appreciated the moments of closure in the last few chapters!
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