Side Character Energy (Olivia Tolich, Text)

Olivia Tolich’s Side Character Energy is a lively debut romantic comedy with a strong focus on self-discovery. When Bee starts dating William, Gertie is happy for her – instinctively so. Since high school, Gertie has organised her life around her best friend, from their share-house to the hospitality job Bee helped Gertie land. As Bee’s romance grows more serious, Gertie realises she isn’t the main character in her own life. Spending time with Arthur, William’s best friend, Gertie begins to experiment with a version of herself that exists outside that long-established orbit. She steps towards new friendships, fresh ambitions and a romance she hadn’t planned for. If you’re looking for banter, chemistry and characters who are authentically imperfect, Side Character Energy delivers. Tolich writes with confidence and a quick pace, creating scenes that crackle with energy and dialogue that feels funny, natural and emotionally grounded. At times, the novel stretches plausibility in the relationships it sets up, asking readers to accept behaviour that feels at odds with the otherwise grounded setting. Even so, Tolich’s strengths outweigh these moments. Her ability to establish character quickly, shape believable connections and sustain momentum marks her as an emerging author to watch. Gertie may begin the novel unsure of who she is, but readers will quickly find themselves invested in her journey towards a life that finally puts her first and helps her claim a clearer sense of self. For readers of Nina Kenwood and Steph Vizard, and those drawn to contemporary Australian romances centred on identity and friendship.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Jess Lomas is the reviews editor at Books+Publishing. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

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