Quite the Pair (Tobias Madden, Penguin)

Quite the Pair, the adult fiction debut from award-winning YA author Tobias Madden (Take a Bow, Noah Mitchell), is a warm and emotionally insightful exploration of friendship in modern adulthood.

The novel centres on best friends Austin and Sydney, whose seemingly stable lives in New York City unravel when their long-term relationships end on the same night. Hoping to rediscover the joy and freedom of their early 20s, the pair move back in together and attempt to rebuild their lives amid the growing realisation that adulthood rarely unfolds according to plan.

At its core, Quite the Pair is a celebration of platonic soulmates. Drawing inspiration from Madden’s own relationship with his real-life best friend, the novel feels authentic in its sharp dialogue, witty humour and emotionally grounded characterisation. Austin and Sydney are flawed yet lovable, and much of the comedy emerges from their chaotic antics and clashing personalities. Beneath its wit, however, the novel offers a thoughtful reflection on the instability that shapes millennial adulthood, from post-pandemic anxieties and economic insecurity to the pressure to feel as though life should already be “figured out”.

Madden captures the disorienting experience of navigating adulthood in an increasingly uncertain world, making the novel particularly resonant for millennial readers. Fans of witty, voice-driven writers such as Dolly Alderton and Caroline O’Donoghue will find much to enjoy in this tender and relatable coming-of-age story for adults.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Samantha Mylan is a librarian and freelance reviewer. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

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