Set in Berlin, we meet two best friends, Kim and Bel, who lead very different lives. Kim is an aspiring author, already planning the world tours, the book signings, and awards won for her novel, even though she’s rewritten the first sentence of her chapter about 10 times now. Bel is a new mother, and has put her career as an historian on hold to adjust to life with her baby. As much as they try to support each other, Kim and Bel just can’t help but envy each other’s lives. Is the grass really greener on the other side? Would they finally feel a sense of fulfilment in life if they had what the other has?

Sad Girl Novel explores the struggles and expectations of womanhood in the modern world, and the complexities of female friendship. Kim and Bel are funny, relatable, and loyal, yet also jealous and petty, providing insight into the mindset of people watching someone they love succeed at life more than themselves (or so they might think).

Told through Kim’s perspective, we watch her become obsessed with an emotionally unavailable man, jealous of her best friend, and stressed with the expectation that she should have her life sorted out by now. She has big dreams, but the reality of what it takes to achieve them seems daunting and so far out of her reach. She makes mistakes and says the wrong thing, which we, as the reader, scream at her not to do. But is Kim a chaotic mess, or just an adult in her 20s trying to figure life out?

Pip Finkemeyer’s debut is a humorous, heartfelt novel about finding one’s identity and purpose, the expectations held against you, and following your dreams even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone.