The Small Joys of Real Life

This novel by Allee Richards was one of my 2021 favourites for so many reasons.

It made me feel like I was hanging out with my group of best mates, even when I was in the pits of Melbourne's fifth lockdown.

The story follows the life of Eva, as she navigates some big changes in her life - relationship struggles, career mishaps, and experiencing grief. It's told through a lens that's so raw that this story will resonate with anyone, at any age, who is going through a shift in mindset.

I also loved the scenes it painted of Melbourne's inner north - St George’s Road KFC and Northcote Social Club were some of my favourites.