Dirt

by Erica Friedland Tufaro

It's 1998 and architecture student Ally Acker is sure a summer at an archeological dig in rural Turkey is the perfect thing for her, now that she's finished her master of architecture degree. Her new romantic interest will be there. And she can put off adulting and leave her overbearing Jewish parents and their expectations behind in New York.

But she wasn't expecting there's more dirt to uncover about the dig crew than there is covering the ruins! Amid basic conditions (can somebody get this girl a shower?) and regular threat of death by scorpion, Ally's got to navigate the over the top crew and their petty drunken dramas, hoping she's not in over her head.

218 pages, Paperback

Published April 28, 2026

Reviews

[ARF · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly cannot put this book down. Dirt by Erica Friedland Tufaro is everything I want in a novel—quick, witty, deeply honest, and incredibly introspective. The writing feels so genuine, and the vulnerability woven into each character makes them feel real in a way that stays with you long after you close the book.
What struck me most is how beautifully the story balances layers—the vivid imagery of Turkey, the richness of the archaeological dig, and the powerful metaphor of “digging up dirt” in people’s lives. It’s thoughtful without ever feeling heavy, and insightful without losing its sharp, engaging voice.
I found myself completely invested in Ally’s journey, constantly wanting to know what would happen next. Her growth feels authentic and earned, capturing the complicated process of coming of age, stepping into adulthood, and learning to be strong, resilient, and confident.
This book delivers so many meaningful themes—growth, courage, self-discovery—and does it with both heart and intelligence. I could absolutely see this as a stunning film adaptation. Highly, highly recommend.

[Meredith Schorr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dirt is a nostalgic romp through the late 1990s, highlighting both the innocence and freedom of a world pre-social media and smart phones and highlighting the trappings of being a young woman in a time when misogyny was something to endure rather than push back against. I was riveted by the wit and raw honesty of the protagonist, Ally Acker, a somewhat privileged twenty something discovering her strength and voice against the backdrop of a Turkish archeological dig and a summer of debauchery.

[Mike L · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, witty read with a touch of great East Coast sarcasm, following a young architect’s journey of personal discovery in Turkey alongside an eclectic cast of characters, some lovable, some behaving badly. It’s also a reminder of both the good and bad of the ’80s and ’90s. The good: no cell phones or social media, which allowed people to fully immerse themselves in the experience and the journey. The bad: the kind of male behavior women were often expected to tolerate.

[Marlie Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dirt is going to be this summer’s best beach read! The author did an amazing job of hooking you in with relatable narrator Ally and her journey from the Upper East Side to an archaeological dig in Turkey, while also shedding light on serious topics in a digestible format. Though she escapes the city, she can’t escape the gossip and drama. The Turkish tea is piping hot! 5 star read!

[Kim Keating · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ally's narrative of the 1990s is spot-on and laugh-out-loud funny. "Dirt" lives up to its title - gossip, intrigue and an archaeological dig! Highly recommend it - great summer read for young adults and women who came of age in the 1990s.