The Breakup Monologues: The Unexpected Joy of Heartbreak

by Rosie Wilby

'piercingly honest… witty… wonderful' - The Observer

'My favourite way to learn is when a funny, clever, honest person is teaching me – that's why I love Rosie Wilby!' - Sara Pascoe

'Funny, sweet, entertaining, insightful, life-affirming...' – Viv Groskop

'Hilarious, honest and brilliant' – Helen Thorn

'Rosie Wilby unearths the hope and hilarity that can come from heartbreak' – Abigail Tarttelin

In 2011, comedian and podcaster Rosie Wilby was dumped by email... though she did feel a little better about it after correcting her ex's spelling and punctuation. Obsessing about breakups ever since, she embarked on a quest to investigate, understand and conquer the psychology of heartbreak.

This book is a love letter to her breakups, a celebration of what they have taught her peppered with anecdotes from illustrious friends and interviews with relationship therapists, scientists and sociologists about separating in the modern age of ghosting, breadcrumbing and conscious uncoupling.

Mixing humour, memoir and science, she attempts to assimilate their advice and ideas in order to not break up with Girlfriend, her partner of nearly three years. Will this self-confessed serial monogamist, and breakup addict, finally settle down?

208 pages, Paperback

Published January 19, 2023

About the author

Rosie Wilby is an award-winning comedian, author and podcaster who has appeared on BBC Radio 4 programmes including Woman's Hour, Saturday Live, Four Thought, Unsafe Space and Loose Ends, TV shows including Good Morning Britain and Sunday Morning Live and podcasts including The Guilty Feminist. Her latest book The Breakup Monologues is inspired by her acclaimed podcast (a double British Podcast Award nominee) and is published globally by Bloomsbury. Her first book Is Monogamy Dead? was longlisted for the Polari First Book Prize and followed her TED talk of the same name. She regularly contributes to publications including The Independent, Stylist and Perspective and has hosted programmes for Virgin Radio, BBC and Resonance. She's currently working on a debut novel and a third nonfiction book. Follow her on X / Twitter @rosiewilby and Instagram / Threads@breakupmonologues

Reviews

[Caelan Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

honestly this was super funny but hard to read over long periods of time

[Evie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly such a grounding and joyful read. I was hooked from the first page: “if you want break up advice, ask a lesbian”.

The book maps out Rosie’s relationship history and the path that brought her to her current partner - they are very, very cute together! It is interspersed with breakup song recommendations, anecdotes and advice from her friends and professional circle. I couldn’t put it down.

There is something overwhelmingly beautiful about a book that speaks to you so directly & vulnerably, whilst also keeping you giggling throughout.

Thank you so much for this, Rosie. You have such a wonderful gift for making others feel seen through your work.

[Kirsty Hinchliffe · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read that details the bad and the good sides of relationships and by the same token break ups. Filled with real life perspective and examples of experiences of both the author and their social circle, it is quite a thought-provoking book. The inclusions of little amusing interludes and anecdotes is another element that adds humour to the read.

3 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers Bloomsbury Publishing for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.