Review of 28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir

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Piyush Natoo
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Review of 28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir

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[Following is a volunteer review of "28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir" by Poppy Mortimer.]
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5 out of 5 stars
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What we know as dating today is probably the worst version of courting! It was certainly easier back in the day, when affection and desire were expressed through engraved handkerchiefs and cute letters, and when a man pursued the woman he fancied with polite decorum and the best of manners. However, things like that aren't in vogue anymore. Modern dating is all about swiping right and hoping the match is right for you! It is all about the impression created on the first date. Modern dating is quite superficial initially; there is no meet-cute but a gradual progress towards discovering the other person, compromising, and hoping that the gods of love shine their benevolence on you.
Poppy Mortimer, through her book '28 Disastrous Dates', perfectly summarizes the awful experiences that women go through in the pursuit of true love. It is definitely not a secret that we all crave love—a companion to share the highs and lows with, to shower someone with affection and receive the same in return, to be the benefactor of thoughtful actions and experiences before joy. Unfortunately, as days go by, the dream is disappearing like a mirage in a hot, sunny desert. The dating pool as depicted in the novel consists of real weirdos, to say it slightly, and it is a struggle to keep both sanity and hope alive.
From the overly eager men to the ones with no grit, from the abusers and manipulators to the drunks and the older guys, dating is a gamble with many risks. Through the book, the biggest lesson that emerges is that it is incredibly tough to find someone who ticks all boxes, and sure, some things can be compromised; however, a woman needs to have some non-negotiables if she wishes to strive ahead! It was truly a delightful, albeit disturbing, read. The novel is quite breezy to read, with a great arrangement of stories, and it is relatable for modern women too!

Finally, I'd rate the book a solid 4 out of 5 stars for the honest reflection of the woes of modern dating. I saved a star because I'm a sucker for a happily-ever-after, which seems unlikely, fiction or otherwise as well!

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28 Disastrous Dates: A (Mostly True) Humourous Memoir
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