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Something Blue
Nicole Najim is struggling to find herself after a painful break-up just when she thought she was going to settle down. Working a dead-end job in the family car dealership, and at a loose end, she picks up a camera and returns to the melting pot of Sydney’s West – an area largely ignored by the rest of tribal Sydney – to rediscover her roots. When she catches up with childhood friend, Danny, who makes his living in a shadowy underworld, their relationship intensifies, just as the law starts to close in, forcing Nicole to choose her own dreams, even as those she loves are lost.
Alex Sarkis writes with warmth, humour, and a spot-on eye for the characters and suburbs of the world she grew up in.
This is a debut about loving home and leaving home, and never escaping your roots. Or your footy colours.
Alex Sarkis writes with warmth, humour, and a spot-on eye for the characters and suburbs of the world she grew up in.
This is a debut about loving home and leaving home, and never escaping your roots. Or your footy colours.
320 pages, Paperback
First published July 6, 2022
25 people are currently reading
649 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
December 6, 2022
2.5 stars, rounded down to 2.
I don’t know if I’m more upset that I lost 10 hours of my life to this book (audiobook, which really dragged out the whole process) or that it was done by Ultimo Press. My relationship with Ultimo Press seems to be drifting out of the honeymoon stage and into that “I hate it when you publish books like this” stage. Everyone's been talking about how good this book is, and as a twenty something woman living in Sydney, I was so sure I would like it - I'm obsessed with reading my own experiences back to me. Sadly, this missed the mark.
The book starts off with us meeting Nicole, who is 26 years old, living with her family in the western suburbs of Sydney. The fact that she lives in the west is mentioned about every second sentence, which is almost as often as her weight is mentioned (45 kilos, if you're interested in developing an eating disorder). Nicole lost a lot of weight when she was broken up with by her boyfriend, who is intermittently referred to as "my ex" and sometimes "Judas" even though his name is revealed at the end to be "Adam". This was played out as some kind of big reveal, but was really just very confusing, because I thought his name was Judas the whole time and his name was literally not important. Like, it served no purpose to reveal his name at the end, as though he's Mr Big or something. Also, are we meant to be sad with Nicole about this breakup but we never experience a single memory of this relationship? What are we mourning here, he left her for a teenager? As a reader, we are kept very far away from this heartbreak. Even when she has a dream about him, she says, "I dreamt about my ex". Maybe I'm overly critical, but I find it hard to mourn a relationship that I know literally nothing about - not even the guy's NAME, which again, she HIDES for NO REASON and reveals at the end?
Oh, and the love interest. We meet Danny pretty early on, and it's established that they're childhood friends. Right off the bat, he's protective of her in way that can only be described as rivalling Harden Scott from the After Series, or maybe Christian Grey. He's every 15 year old Wattpad writer's dream man, only worse. There's every trope under the sun - "who hurt you?!" "I'll kill anyone who puts a hand on you." He has a reputation on the streets, so much so that she gets out of some kind of brawl because the other guy recognises her as "Danny's girl". How... hot? If you're into that kind of thing? What did they even talk about when he wasn't asserting his protectiveness over her, his concern for her, or talking about how tiny she was? By the end I was rolling my eyes so hard I could barely read the incredibly unsexy sex scenes. Of course, like all romances, they get into a fight because If you look closely you can actually see the powerpoint slides that the author was using to develop the "tension" from a writing course she probably got off Groupon.
We are reminded almost every page that Nicole is VERY THIN and TINY and SO SMALL, which, she tells everyone, she got through being sick from heartbreak. For one, nobody loses THAT much weight from heartbreak. But the whole novel is essentially, probably unintentionally, about her new life as the transformed ugly duckling. Men fawn over her and constantly tell her they're in love with her. Her friends constantly comment on how good her body looks. People take her picture and share it on the internet (as we all do when we see someone skinny on the street, I guess?) which somehow assists with launching her photography career. She faints occasionally because she's so malnourished, but it's only in a gorgeous, dainty, Disney Princess way - she isn't tired, or grumpy or any of those ugly things that come from being sick! She's the Perfect Effortless Woman and her boobs still look good at 0% body fat! Unlike the women on her Instagram, the influencers who try too hard to stuck their stomachs in, or are too fake to be loved. Our narrator lets us know exactly what she thinks of Those Girls. So much internalised misogyny dripped off the pages that I had to shower after I finished this book to make sure I didn't have any residue on me.
Aside from the fact that this book has essentially relapsed all my body issues and made sure I never wanted to go anywhere near western suburbs again - sad, because prior to this I quite liked Western Sydney - this book did have a good plot direction, and the writing of dialogue/culture came through really well. If the main character wasn't so toxic, the romance so hard to believe, and the writing so repetitive (we get it, she's discovered that western Sydney really is home even though Other Places Also Exist) I might have almost liked this book.
I don’t know if I’m more upset that I lost 10 hours of my life to this book (audiobook, which really dragged out the whole process) or that it was done by Ultimo Press. My relationship with Ultimo Press seems to be drifting out of the honeymoon stage and into that “I hate it when you publish books like this” stage. Everyone's been talking about how good this book is, and as a twenty something woman living in Sydney, I was so sure I would like it - I'm obsessed with reading my own experiences back to me. Sadly, this missed the mark.
The book starts off with us meeting Nicole, who is 26 years old, living with her family in the western suburbs of Sydney. The fact that she lives in the west is mentioned about every second sentence, which is almost as often as her weight is mentioned (45 kilos, if you're interested in developing an eating disorder). Nicole lost a lot of weight when she was broken up with by her boyfriend, who is intermittently referred to as "my ex" and sometimes "Judas" even though his name is revealed at the end to be "Adam". This was played out as some kind of big reveal, but was really just very confusing, because I thought his name was Judas the whole time and his name was literally not important. Like, it served no purpose to reveal his name at the end, as though he's Mr Big or something. Also, are we meant to be sad with Nicole about this breakup but we never experience a single memory of this relationship? What are we mourning here, he left her for a teenager? As a reader, we are kept very far away from this heartbreak. Even when she has a dream about him, she says, "I dreamt about my ex". Maybe I'm overly critical, but I find it hard to mourn a relationship that I know literally nothing about - not even the guy's NAME, which again, she HIDES for NO REASON and reveals at the end?
Oh, and the love interest. We meet Danny pretty early on, and it's established that they're childhood friends. Right off the bat, he's protective of her in way that can only be described as rivalling Harden Scott from the After Series, or maybe Christian Grey. He's every 15 year old Wattpad writer's dream man, only worse. There's every trope under the sun - "who hurt you?!" "I'll kill anyone who puts a hand on you." He has a reputation on the streets, so much so that she gets out of some kind of brawl because the other guy recognises her as "Danny's girl". How... hot? If you're into that kind of thing? What did they even talk about when he wasn't asserting his protectiveness over her, his concern for her, or talking about how tiny she was? By the end I was rolling my eyes so hard I could barely read the incredibly unsexy sex scenes. Of course, like all romances, they get into a fight because If you look closely you can actually see the powerpoint slides that the author was using to develop the "tension" from a writing course she probably got off Groupon.
We are reminded almost every page that Nicole is VERY THIN and TINY and SO SMALL, which, she tells everyone, she got through being sick from heartbreak. For one, nobody loses THAT much weight from heartbreak. But the whole novel is essentially, probably unintentionally, about her new life as the transformed ugly duckling. Men fawn over her and constantly tell her they're in love with her. Her friends constantly comment on how good her body looks. People take her picture and share it on the internet (as we all do when we see someone skinny on the street, I guess?) which somehow assists with launching her photography career. She faints occasionally because she's so malnourished, but it's only in a gorgeous, dainty, Disney Princess way - she isn't tired, or grumpy or any of those ugly things that come from being sick! She's the Perfect Effortless Woman and her boobs still look good at 0% body fat! Unlike the women on her Instagram, the influencers who try too hard to stuck their stomachs in, or are too fake to be loved. Our narrator lets us know exactly what she thinks of Those Girls. So much internalised misogyny dripped off the pages that I had to shower after I finished this book to make sure I didn't have any residue on me.
Aside from the fact that this book has essentially relapsed all my body issues and made sure I never wanted to go anywhere near western suburbs again - sad, because prior to this I quite liked Western Sydney - this book did have a good plot direction, and the writing of dialogue/culture came through really well. If the main character wasn't so toxic, the romance so hard to believe, and the writing so repetitive (we get it, she's discovered that western Sydney really is home even though Other Places Also Exist) I might have almost liked this book.
July 22, 2022
Something Blue is the debut novel of Australian author Alex Sarkis and I’m going to say straight up it’s an amazing debut and everyone should be getting a copy ASAP!
It’s 2017 and Nicole Najim is struggling to cope after a painful break up. She is aimless, working in her family’s car dealership and definitely not looking after herself. After taking some leave from work she sets her sights on applying for a photography course. Needing photos for her portfolio, she decides to seek inspiration by heading back to the Western Sydney where she grew up. Here she reconnects with childhood friend Danny who may or may not be part of the criminal underworld. Their connection intensifies and Nicole has to work out what it is she wants for her life.
Oh my goodness I just loved this book. It was real and engaging and definitely not a cookie cutter sad millenial girl novel. The dialogue was fantastic. The blending in of Arabic language, the culture, the family dynamics. It was all fantastic! You feel what it must be like to be a part of a huge Lebanese family. Nicole’s relationships with her family and especially her cousin Chadi were so vibrantly portrayed.
This book was very far away from my own experiences but I was completely immersed in it. It felt like a very authentic portrayal of Western Sydney with lots of local references. And hilariously some of the funniest moments for me came from the fact that Chadi is a diehard Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs supporter and there is quite a lot of dialogue about how bad they were playing at the time. While not from Sydney, my husband has followed the Bulldogs since he was a child and the references definitely resonated with my house during rugby league season!
Finally though do not let the cover fool you – this is no light hearted rom com. Sure it had some romance and sure it was laugh out loud funny at times but it was a bit heavier than you might expect. Disclosure – this is the first book in ages that made me cry actual tears!
Thanks so much to @ultimopress for my #gifted copy. I’m so glad I was able to receive this to review. It was an absolute winner.
It’s 2017 and Nicole Najim is struggling to cope after a painful break up. She is aimless, working in her family’s car dealership and definitely not looking after herself. After taking some leave from work she sets her sights on applying for a photography course. Needing photos for her portfolio, she decides to seek inspiration by heading back to the Western Sydney where she grew up. Here she reconnects with childhood friend Danny who may or may not be part of the criminal underworld. Their connection intensifies and Nicole has to work out what it is she wants for her life.
Oh my goodness I just loved this book. It was real and engaging and definitely not a cookie cutter sad millenial girl novel. The dialogue was fantastic. The blending in of Arabic language, the culture, the family dynamics. It was all fantastic! You feel what it must be like to be a part of a huge Lebanese family. Nicole’s relationships with her family and especially her cousin Chadi were so vibrantly portrayed.
This book was very far away from my own experiences but I was completely immersed in it. It felt like a very authentic portrayal of Western Sydney with lots of local references. And hilariously some of the funniest moments for me came from the fact that Chadi is a diehard Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs supporter and there is quite a lot of dialogue about how bad they were playing at the time. While not from Sydney, my husband has followed the Bulldogs since he was a child and the references definitely resonated with my house during rugby league season!
Finally though do not let the cover fool you – this is no light hearted rom com. Sure it had some romance and sure it was laugh out loud funny at times but it was a bit heavier than you might expect. Disclosure – this is the first book in ages that made me cry actual tears!
Thanks so much to @ultimopress for my #gifted copy. I’m so glad I was able to receive this to review. It was an absolute winner.
August 7, 2022
I related to a lot in this book despite it being set in Sydney’s west and about a Lebanese family. Immigrant stories have so many points of connection I guess. Much of the dialogue and Sarkis’s use of patois perfectly captured a mode of speaking we so rarely see reflected in fiction. It was thrilling. The plot ultimately pushed things too far for my tastes and we get a pretty sad ending but authors are the ones driving the bus and we readers don’t get to choose where it goes. I was happy to be along for the ride.
February 5, 2023
Just so blue-tiful ❤️
February 13, 2023
Quite possibly my new favourite book of all time. As a Lebanese Australian, I felt truly captured onto paper and I’m so grateful that Sarkis has used her gift to share this story.
July 24, 2022
I adored this book, adored! It was so different to anything I’ve read this year or at all. The insight into the Lebanese community in Western Sydney and having such an insightful light shone on it was beautiful.
I laughed A LOT and I even cried. This book is a heartbreaker, written really, really well.
There were a few moments when my feminism was triggered as well as my hatred for racism but I could see what the author was trying to do.
I really hope we see many more books from Alex Sarkis, so much of this world to share!
I laughed A LOT and I even cried. This book is a heartbreaker, written really, really well.
There were a few moments when my feminism was triggered as well as my hatred for racism but I could see what the author was trying to do.
I really hope we see many more books from Alex Sarkis, so much of this world to share!
February 1, 2024
Really enjoyed it! I’m heartbroken and needing to see more romance between the lead and her love interest
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2022
I recieved this #gifted copy from @ultimopress and read it in hospital after having a baby, and it was a good choice!
While the themes are often dark and occasionally confronting, there are so many moments of humour and lightness, and the setting of Western Sydney is a world away from the Adelaide Hills where I grew up or Adelaide itself (at least where I live and my life!) so there is definitely an element of escapism.
It has been described as "the millennial answer to 'Looking for Alibrandi', which to begin with I wasn't sure about (I mean to begin with, I am a millennial and I feel like LFA played an integral part of my formative reading years so I don't need an answer to it!) And because the protagonist is an adult rather than a year 12 student, it had a distinctly different tone and feel. However, upon reflection it did have a lot of crossover with LFA, including the Sydney setting, feeling inhibited by - and then challenging - family and cultural expectations, and grief and loss.
I found the cover misleading; like I expected a rom-com with fancy characters ending in a wedding, and it was so not - and so much more than - that.
But most importantly, for me at this time in my life, it was a compelling read that I flew through, despite everything going on!!
While the themes are often dark and occasionally confronting, there are so many moments of humour and lightness, and the setting of Western Sydney is a world away from the Adelaide Hills where I grew up or Adelaide itself (at least where I live and my life!) so there is definitely an element of escapism.
It has been described as "the millennial answer to 'Looking for Alibrandi', which to begin with I wasn't sure about (I mean to begin with, I am a millennial and I feel like LFA played an integral part of my formative reading years so I don't need an answer to it!) And because the protagonist is an adult rather than a year 12 student, it had a distinctly different tone and feel. However, upon reflection it did have a lot of crossover with LFA, including the Sydney setting, feeling inhibited by - and then challenging - family and cultural expectations, and grief and loss.
I found the cover misleading; like I expected a rom-com with fancy characters ending in a wedding, and it was so not - and so much more than - that.
But most importantly, for me at this time in my life, it was a compelling read that I flew through, despite everything going on!!
July 4, 2022
A huge thank you to Ultimo Press and Alex Sarkis for the advance copy of this brilliant book 💕
Initially, I thought this book was going to be a rom-com, but I was wrong. It surprised me in so many ways. I went from laughing out loud to blinking back tears to feeling such a pride in Nicole, our fictional heroine, it was as if she was real and a friend
So, what's 'Something Blue' about?
Nicole Najim is struggling with who she is after a breakup. Confused about the direction of her life and her place in the world, she returns to roots in Sydney's Inner West. Through connections with old friends, family and new opportunities, Nicole beings to grow, to learn who she is and to truly find her feet
There's something very 'Sydney' about this book. I loved reading more about my adopted home and the people in it. Alex Sarkis has created a truly vivid snapshot of life, one I can't wait for more people to read!
Initially, I thought this book was going to be a rom-com, but I was wrong. It surprised me in so many ways. I went from laughing out loud to blinking back tears to feeling such a pride in Nicole, our fictional heroine, it was as if she was real and a friend
So, what's 'Something Blue' about?
Nicole Najim is struggling with who she is after a breakup. Confused about the direction of her life and her place in the world, she returns to roots in Sydney's Inner West. Through connections with old friends, family and new opportunities, Nicole beings to grow, to learn who she is and to truly find her feet
There's something very 'Sydney' about this book. I loved reading more about my adopted home and the people in it. Alex Sarkis has created a truly vivid snapshot of life, one I can't wait for more people to read!
January 28, 2025
⭐ 4/5 Stars
🎵 Theme Song: “Bloom” by The Paper Kites
➡️ This love story hooked me with its rich cultural depth—reading about different families and traditions added so much heart to the narrative. It’s a romance, sure, but not in a fairy-tale, happily-ever-after kind of way. I love when a love story feels real and leaves a little room for bittersweet endings.
➡️ I went into this expecting something overly corny, but I was pleasantly surprised. The story had depth, humor, and some of the most lovable characters I’ve read in a while. It’s funny, touching, and a bit messy—just like real life.
A refreshingly realistic romance with a lot of charm.
🎵 Theme Song: “Bloom” by The Paper Kites
➡️ This love story hooked me with its rich cultural depth—reading about different families and traditions added so much heart to the narrative. It’s a romance, sure, but not in a fairy-tale, happily-ever-after kind of way. I love when a love story feels real and leaves a little room for bittersweet endings.
➡️ I went into this expecting something overly corny, but I was pleasantly surprised. The story had depth, humor, and some of the most lovable characters I’ve read in a while. It’s funny, touching, and a bit messy—just like real life.
A refreshingly realistic romance with a lot of charm.
December 16, 2022
What an incredible debut! I love a Sydney-based novel and even better, a Sydney-based novel about my own home turf of Western Sydney.
This book could be considered a love letter to the West and its diversity, its vibrancy & its opportunities. I loved the references to so many familiar places, the relatable digs at a certain footy team who haven’t done so well in recent years and the love of family, culture and community at SOMETHING BLUE’s core.
This book went in some surprising places, so don’t go in expecting a cookie-cutter light & easy romantic, feel good read. SOMETHING BLUE is light & dark.
It’s a coming-of-age novel that made me feel as though I was wrapped in a big beautiful hug from the protagonist’s Lebanese Australian family. If you, like me, grew up with & celebrated Looking for Alibrandi and its love of place, belonging and multicultural Australia, then SOMETHING BLUE will strike a chord with you. I’ve seen many reviews that mention the two & for me, the comparison to the much loved Alibrandi for a 2022 audience absolutely holds up.
A brilliant read that’s left me wanting more from Alex Sarkis - or, maybe even a sequel?? I’d love to know what happens next!
This book could be considered a love letter to the West and its diversity, its vibrancy & its opportunities. I loved the references to so many familiar places, the relatable digs at a certain footy team who haven’t done so well in recent years and the love of family, culture and community at SOMETHING BLUE’s core.
This book went in some surprising places, so don’t go in expecting a cookie-cutter light & easy romantic, feel good read. SOMETHING BLUE is light & dark.
It’s a coming-of-age novel that made me feel as though I was wrapped in a big beautiful hug from the protagonist’s Lebanese Australian family. If you, like me, grew up with & celebrated Looking for Alibrandi and its love of place, belonging and multicultural Australia, then SOMETHING BLUE will strike a chord with you. I’ve seen many reviews that mention the two & for me, the comparison to the much loved Alibrandi for a 2022 audience absolutely holds up.
A brilliant read that’s left me wanting more from Alex Sarkis - or, maybe even a sequel?? I’d love to know what happens next!
July 18, 2022
Woah! What an absolute rollercoaster of emotions.
Sarkis has blown readers out of the water with this debut beauty.
It is not often that I pick up a book that manages to touch such diverse themes across love, family, crime, growing up, breaking up and feeling like you have your feet in two different worlds. The vivid portrayal of Sydney's Western suburbs evokes nostalgia within those who are familiar with the region and cultural tapestry of this unique place. Strangely the book feels as though it is relatable universally due to the themes explored.
From a character development standpoint, Sarkis has mastered the art of literary nuance offering a glimpse at how some of the most loved and despised personalities in the book were formed. Sarkis bravely yet sensitively tackles themes of diversity and inclusion shattering some stereotypes while celebrating others.
A raw, honest and relatable page turner from start to finish. I will be praying and hoping for more from this budding novelist. Make haste Sarkis!
Sarkis has blown readers out of the water with this debut beauty.
It is not often that I pick up a book that manages to touch such diverse themes across love, family, crime, growing up, breaking up and feeling like you have your feet in two different worlds. The vivid portrayal of Sydney's Western suburbs evokes nostalgia within those who are familiar with the region and cultural tapestry of this unique place. Strangely the book feels as though it is relatable universally due to the themes explored.
From a character development standpoint, Sarkis has mastered the art of literary nuance offering a glimpse at how some of the most loved and despised personalities in the book were formed. Sarkis bravely yet sensitively tackles themes of diversity and inclusion shattering some stereotypes while celebrating others.
A raw, honest and relatable page turner from start to finish. I will be praying and hoping for more from this budding novelist. Make haste Sarkis!
October 25, 2022
I loved this book so much I read it in a day, it hit some poignant issues and current topics. The story follows Nic, a 26 year old Lebanese Australian as she comes out of a heartbreaking relationship, she dives into family life, with her tayta, cousins and siblings which is full of all the loud, sometimes suffocating cultural ways, she’s a budding photographer who seems to have lost her creativity and sets out to gain it back, she faces losses and more heartbreak. Overall it was fun and refreshing, the dialogue was real and funny, the Lebanese cultural aspects were relatable.
July 22, 2022
✍️ This is debut novel by Alex Sarkis follows the story of Nicole Najim who after suffering a breakup finds it hard to evaluate who she is and what she wants with her life so she goes back to her Western Sydney roots to rediscover herself again.
I ADORED this book. A fabulous debut novel. I eminently enjoyed it. I was enamoured from start to finish. It was a coherent, engrossing and straightforward read. The characters were copious and comical and I appreciated as well as enjoyed reading about the cultural acknowledgements of ancestry and customs throughout.
It was lovely to read about the city of Sydney where I formerly reside from and of which brought back memories of home. As much as the story integrated amusement, humour and wit it also touched on more broader topics including mental health, loss, family constraints, love. I liked the balance of bliss and sorrow.
I ADORED this book. A fabulous debut novel. I eminently enjoyed it. I was enamoured from start to finish. It was a coherent, engrossing and straightforward read. The characters were copious and comical and I appreciated as well as enjoyed reading about the cultural acknowledgements of ancestry and customs throughout.
It was lovely to read about the city of Sydney where I formerly reside from and of which brought back memories of home. As much as the story integrated amusement, humour and wit it also touched on more broader topics including mental health, loss, family constraints, love. I liked the balance of bliss and sorrow.
January 1, 2023
God, I’d have appreciated a novel like Something Blue growing up in Western Sydney. Despite the demographic similarities, it was the depth of characters which had me enthralled with this story. The plot was surprising when it needed to be and the dialogue brilliantly captured the essence of a number of communities in Australia. It also lightly touched on a range of themes, be it immigrant trauma, importance of faith, stigmas surrounding sexuality, heartbreak, loss, self-discovery, and family ties. Above all, this read was ridiculously heartwarming and I cannot wait to see what else Alex Sarkis has in store for us. Ps, that cover is divine!
July 21, 2022
Wow!! What a read. I haven’t connected with a story like this in years (or ever)! I was hooked by the first page and couldn’t put it down. From the rich characters, the humour, then sudden roller coaster of emotions I was left wanting more. Quite literally. I’m dying for a sequel! What a revealing look into life in Sydney as a young ethnic woman. Every detail painted the perfect picture of places and people that are so warmly familiar. What an incredible debut novel by Alex Sarkis!!
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February 1, 2024First five star of the year and well-deserved. In true Lebanese fashion, my cousin recommended this to me and wow it did not disappoint.
As a young Lebanese Australian girl it’s always a pleasure to read stories about my community and my world, but with that will always come a healthy dose of criticism and scepticism. It’s often hard for me to find authors who authentically capture a world I know. But this book did that.
What I really respect about Alex Sarkis is that she is not trying to sell you a fantasy of Western Sydney. It’s not trying to sugarcoat and smooth over the bad parts and upsell the good part. Instead, it creates a layered and nuanced depiction of the west and the Lebanese community as a whole. And wow, is it relatable. From the tayta asking when is everyone going to be married to the cousins who calls anyone you dislike a Dog- if you grew up around lebs or you are leb - you know these characters, because these characters talk and act and think like people you know. Not only did she capture the vernacular— the way Lebanese people speak —but the nuances of culture that can only come from someone who is a part of that culture. Especially how religion and family and marriage affect us so deeply and are so heavily tied to being Lebanese in Australia.
I also felt like this book was written for an intended audience of Lebanese Australians. It doesn’t overexplain the food that is depicted or the words that are spoken in Arabic. It assumes that you know what’s the author is talking about because it is clearly written by and for Lebanese people and people who grew up or have family who grew up in the area. And it’s very rare to find a book that feels like it is written for you and depicts your experiences without talking down to you or over explaining to you ( or the audience in general) what being Lebanese/ from an immigrant family is like.
While I can admit my own bias definitely impacted my enjoyment of this book, there are other things about it that are good besides the cultural representation. The writing was clever and managed to toe the line between sophisticated, while still allowing authentic slang to perpetrate the dialogue, which is really hard to do when you’re writing a contemporary novel. It had a slow plot, but I really appreciated build up, and I thought the ending was devastating but very well done.
I also cried on the bus reading it so- bring tissues I guess?!
I like to the main character - I thought she was realistic and I liked how her perspective was both critical of her community, but still proud and celebratory. She was also deeply relatable, especially in regards to the struggles around being single in your 20s when you are a part of the Lebanese community. The constant struggle, especially for women, between modernity and tradition cannot be understated. I especially loved the foils between the tayta and her sister - there is something so beautiful and underrated and uncelebrated about stories about older women and too see even bits and pieces of those stories about older Lebanese women can and will make me emotional.
I wanted more of Danny, but I understand why he is not a huge part of the story. I kind of enjoyed how the “romance”took a back seat because I think the cultural narrative being told was more important, and I’m glad that was more emphasise. However, it does make me wish that we could have more stories about Lebanese Australian girls that are just straight up romances. No trauma, no intergenerational woes, just Romcom vibes. But that’s not what this book was trying to do, and I understand that and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Overall a great read and it makes me hopeful that we will see more Lebanese Australian authors write their own stories. Basically, it left me wanting more and I will definitely be picking up Alex Sarkis’s stuff in the future.
As a young Lebanese Australian girl it’s always a pleasure to read stories about my community and my world, but with that will always come a healthy dose of criticism and scepticism. It’s often hard for me to find authors who authentically capture a world I know. But this book did that.
What I really respect about Alex Sarkis is that she is not trying to sell you a fantasy of Western Sydney. It’s not trying to sugarcoat and smooth over the bad parts and upsell the good part. Instead, it creates a layered and nuanced depiction of the west and the Lebanese community as a whole. And wow, is it relatable. From the tayta asking when is everyone going to be married to the cousins who calls anyone you dislike a Dog- if you grew up around lebs or you are leb - you know these characters, because these characters talk and act and think like people you know. Not only did she capture the vernacular— the way Lebanese people speak —but the nuances of culture that can only come from someone who is a part of that culture. Especially how religion and family and marriage affect us so deeply and are so heavily tied to being Lebanese in Australia.
I also felt like this book was written for an intended audience of Lebanese Australians. It doesn’t overexplain the food that is depicted or the words that are spoken in Arabic. It assumes that you know what’s the author is talking about because it is clearly written by and for Lebanese people and people who grew up or have family who grew up in the area. And it’s very rare to find a book that feels like it is written for you and depicts your experiences without talking down to you or over explaining to you ( or the audience in general) what being Lebanese/ from an immigrant family is like.
While I can admit my own bias definitely impacted my enjoyment of this book, there are other things about it that are good besides the cultural representation. The writing was clever and managed to toe the line between sophisticated, while still allowing authentic slang to perpetrate the dialogue, which is really hard to do when you’re writing a contemporary novel. It had a slow plot, but I really appreciated build up, and I thought the ending was devastating but very well done.
I also cried on the bus reading it so- bring tissues I guess?!
I like to the main character - I thought she was realistic and I liked how her perspective was both critical of her community, but still proud and celebratory. She was also deeply relatable, especially in regards to the struggles around being single in your 20s when you are a part of the Lebanese community. The constant struggle, especially for women, between modernity and tradition cannot be understated. I especially loved the foils between the tayta and her sister - there is something so beautiful and underrated and uncelebrated about stories about older women and too see even bits and pieces of those stories about older Lebanese women can and will make me emotional.
I wanted more of Danny, but I understand why he is not a huge part of the story. I kind of enjoyed how the “romance”took a back seat because I think the cultural narrative being told was more important, and I’m glad that was more emphasise. However, it does make me wish that we could have more stories about Lebanese Australian girls that are just straight up romances. No trauma, no intergenerational woes, just Romcom vibes. But that’s not what this book was trying to do, and I understand that and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Overall a great read and it makes me hopeful that we will see more Lebanese Australian authors write their own stories. Basically, it left me wanting more and I will definitely be picking up Alex Sarkis’s stuff in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2022
‘It takes a lifetime to learn a city. You can’t just move in; you have to marry it. And Sydney’s been mine since birth.’
So excited to share my review for Alex Sarkis’ debut novel Something Blue! I read this in a few days because I couldn’t put it down, that’s how hooked I was.
The book follows Nicole, a 26 year old Lebanese girl who is coping with a bad breakup. She is trying to get her life back on track and find her direction again. The book is set across Sydney with a strong focus on the West as this is where Nicole was born and where lots of her family, friends and community are. Without giving too much away, this book is very funny but it also doesn’t shy away from difficult themes and emotions. I laughed, I cried, I raged, I felt.
It’s always special reading about places and people familiar to you - it’s hard to write about the West, and even harder to write about the Lebanese community, but Sarkis takes on the job to present a nuanced view - showing stereotypes while also disrupting and challenging them. I loved the focus on family relationships, on culture, and how place ties this together. There really is no place like The Area 😂
I was laughing out loud at the dialogue, at the family/friend interactions that felt so real and relatable. The characters are iconic, Dave Dollaz being my personal favourite!
I really enjoyed Something Blue and I genuinely hope Alex Sarkis keeps writing!! Highly recommend
So excited to share my review for Alex Sarkis’ debut novel Something Blue! I read this in a few days because I couldn’t put it down, that’s how hooked I was.
The book follows Nicole, a 26 year old Lebanese girl who is coping with a bad breakup. She is trying to get her life back on track and find her direction again. The book is set across Sydney with a strong focus on the West as this is where Nicole was born and where lots of her family, friends and community are. Without giving too much away, this book is very funny but it also doesn’t shy away from difficult themes and emotions. I laughed, I cried, I raged, I felt.
It’s always special reading about places and people familiar to you - it’s hard to write about the West, and even harder to write about the Lebanese community, but Sarkis takes on the job to present a nuanced view - showing stereotypes while also disrupting and challenging them. I loved the focus on family relationships, on culture, and how place ties this together. There really is no place like The Area 😂
I was laughing out loud at the dialogue, at the family/friend interactions that felt so real and relatable. The characters are iconic, Dave Dollaz being my personal favourite!
I really enjoyed Something Blue and I genuinely hope Alex Sarkis keeps writing!! Highly recommend
July 30, 2022
I. LOVE. THIS. BOOK. SO. MUCH.
Ummm, where do I begin?!?! Alex Sarkis, thank you for writing this TREASURE of a book. I cant express how relatable and familiar it was to read it. From culture, to The Area, to religion, to romance, to friendship, to family, to stereotypes… Everything was spot on. I laughed, I gasped, I cried. It was an emotional roller coaster. I’m still mourning over Chadi. The chapter describing his funeral absolutely destroyed me. I lost my best friend in high school due to a car accident, so it really reopened old wounds.
I’m shipping Nic and Danny SO DAMN MUCH. But I also want to know what happens with Dave Dollaz haha. I DEMAND A SEQUEL!!! I finished reading Something Blue a few days ago, but it’s honestly been on my mind ever since. I can’t get over it. Thank you, Alex, thank you thank you thank you. This book holds a VERY special place in my heart, especially growing up as an ethnic in western Sydney. This book felt like home.
Ummm, where do I begin?!?! Alex Sarkis, thank you for writing this TREASURE of a book. I cant express how relatable and familiar it was to read it. From culture, to The Area, to religion, to romance, to friendship, to family, to stereotypes… Everything was spot on. I laughed, I gasped, I cried. It was an emotional roller coaster. I’m still mourning over Chadi. The chapter describing his funeral absolutely destroyed me. I lost my best friend in high school due to a car accident, so it really reopened old wounds.
I’m shipping Nic and Danny SO DAMN MUCH. But I also want to know what happens with Dave Dollaz haha. I DEMAND A SEQUEL!!! I finished reading Something Blue a few days ago, but it’s honestly been on my mind ever since. I can’t get over it. Thank you, Alex, thank you thank you thank you. This book holds a VERY special place in my heart, especially growing up as an ethnic in western Sydney. This book felt like home.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2022
Follows a young Lebanese female and her life in western Sydney. This book felt extremely relatable to me and set in the area I’ve been born and raised in.
It made me laugh, cry and remember how much I love my community, culture and native origins. Even tho this details a Christian Lebanese family, while I am Muslim I still felt a massive connection with the protagonist and felt her journey with spiritually married my own in ways - at times I felt like this book was almost narrating my own life. It also reminded me no matter our religions all Lebanese families are the same in one way or another.
It was also an incredible homage to the West and the imperfections of it. Thank you to Alex for the representation I’ve been waiting for ❤️
It made me laugh, cry and remember how much I love my community, culture and native origins. Even tho this details a Christian Lebanese family, while I am Muslim I still felt a massive connection with the protagonist and felt her journey with spiritually married my own in ways - at times I felt like this book was almost narrating my own life. It also reminded me no matter our religions all Lebanese families are the same in one way or another.
It was also an incredible homage to the West and the imperfections of it. Thank you to Alex for the representation I’ve been waiting for ❤️
March 31, 2024
I’d read some reviews on this one about it being set in Western Sydney. The locations certainly helped me recognise the places that the characters moved through. The cultural perspectives were interesting and there were enough hooks to keep me reading. It had been sitting in my TBR pile for a while and I’m glad for the timing in picking it up and enjoying it.
October 29, 2022
I listened to this one on audio and found it a bit grating at the start because it felt a bit close to home of people I know and how they talk to each other. However once I got over that I quite enjoyed the story even though it was sadder than I expected it to be!
June 15, 2025
This is another book I bought forever ago without knowing anything about it. It actually has similar vibes of ‘Cult of Romance’. I liked it, but hated the ending! I wanted to know what happened with Nic and Danny 😫
August 17, 2022
3 star listen
Fmc and family are ok.
Triggers inc death of a loved one and abuse within a relationship.
Audio was ok. Set in Australia.
Fmc and family are ok.
Triggers inc death of a loved one and abuse within a relationship.
Audio was ok. Set in Australia.
January 23, 2023
Feels incredibly real. It tastes Australian. I crowd for the last third. An easy/ quick read.
September 12, 2025
As a Lebanese immigrant, this book touched my heart. It is written in a very genuine way. From the first pages you get attached to the book and you want to know the ending which happens with tears.
July 22, 2022
Read in two days
What a book! So much nostalgia. So relatable. Pulls on all your emotions. I couldn’t put this down!! Highly recommend to all
What a book! So much nostalgia. So relatable. Pulls on all your emotions. I couldn’t put this down!! Highly recommend to all
July 27, 2022
This book was so good! I really hope there’s a sequel. I wasn’t ready for it to end.
October 31, 2022
One of the best books I've read in a very long time. Relatable. Funny. Heart-warming and heartbreaking. If you're wondering if you should read it, you should.
July 18, 2022
Such an easy, enjoyable and fun read! Highly recommended.
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