Hera is witty, kinda lazy, charming, and a mistress. She is every married woman's nightmare, yet for some reason, in this story we are rooting for her. It shouldn't work this way and yet, here we are.

Hera is a young 24 year old who doesn't have a whole lot of ambition in life, but knows she needs to do something because that is what is expected of people her age and part of growing up. When she lands a pretty mindless job and gets to know the office she meets an older, good looking co-worker and the connection is almost immediate. There's only one issue... he's married. Thus begins a tale of all-encompassing love, but is it reciprocated?

Man, I really wish I could say that I disliked the main character because obviously she's a bad person if she can date a married man, but really, I just feel bad for her. This story, unfortunately, is so real and messy and it's scary how easily it could actually happen. It's so frustrating and you just want to shake her so that she wakes up and realizes all the time she's wasting. At the same time, it's also heartbreaking seeing her so desperate and wanting this love to work out. While this is not something I personally have experience with, I feel like it's a story a lot of people will sadly be able to relate to.

Pub. Date: Feb. 27, 2024
Thank you Henry Holt & Company and NetGalley for my early copy!

Normally, I do not share my full review that I plan to post on my blog. However, this novel deserves it (Full Review to be posted January 26th on duffrunstough.com)

The Review

The first few pages of 'Green Dot' by Madeleine Gray sparked a sense of familiarity that I couldn't quite pinpoint initially. It soon became apparent that Gray's prose carried a conversational tone reminiscent of my past creative writing essays. Narrated in a long flow of chaotic consciousness, 'Green Dot' unfolds as Hera grapples with the transition to the workforce, applying for a job as a community moderator. The narrative takes a turn when she encounters Arthur, a journalist, leading to a whirlwind infatuation.

Hera emerges as a complex, likable but frustrating, character, challenging societal norms while still succumbing to stereotypical expectations. Her sarcastic nihilism is on par with Camus, and her stylistic delivery is comparable to Rupi Kaur. Above all though, I couldn’t help but chuckle at how stereotypically bisexual she is - the first man she crushes on in years is laughably unattainable and yet she still plans to pursue them. Which is ultimately, the most infuriating part about her. Hera clearly knows what she is doing is horrendous, and yet, even as morally sound as she is regards to the sociopolitical climate, she still fell hard for the delusion.

Had Hera fallen in love with literally anyone else, this novel would have received a much better reception from the public. There was such a heavy focus on Hera's relationship with Arthur, that unfortunately, too many readers were caught up in the lack of "sisterhood" and "support" for "the wife" that they missed the true magic of this novel. However, if you pay close enough attention, what Gray excels at with writing this novel is with what is implied but isn't said.

Ultimately, what made me rank this novel as a 4.5 stars instead of 5 was due to a minor complaint I had based on the stylistic choice of the novel and how it translated on the PDF eARC version of the novel. It was difficult to tell where one chapter stopped, and another began. While this did help achieve the "long flow of chaotic consciousness" mentioned above, it did confuse me because for the first 60-70% of the novel, I thought the prologue was Madeleine Gray writing about how she got the idea for the book based on a time she was the other women. It wasn't until the closer to the end I realized the meta-forth-wall-breaking that occurred meant that the prologue was Hera's POV not Gray's. Which didn't really change the plot of the story, but did change my mind on how I perceived this novel.

Gray's prose as Hera is so raw that it is a true testament of her ability as a writer. When I thought this entire novel was "based on a true-story", a fictional essay rooted in factual ideas, I wasn't sure where Gray's real-life thoughts ended and Hera's began. I was impressed with the metaphorical sentence construction, but was not in awe. The moment it clicked that, this entire debut novel is a fictional author writing a fictional story about a fictional event in their past I was gobsmacked. Gray effortlessly created an entirely fully complex being out of thin air as real as you or me.

In conclusion, "Green Dot" by Madeleine Gray is a compelling exploration of Hera's complex character and her tumultuous journey through infatuation and self-discovery. Gray's raw and conversational prose immerses the reader in Hera's chaotic consciousness, eliciting both frustration and empathy. While the focus on Hera's relationship with Arthur may overshadow other elements of the narrative for some readers, Gray's skillful implication and the novel's thought-provoking nature shine through.

Short Review (AKA TLDR)

The first few pages of 'Green Dot' by Madeleine Gray spark a sense of familiarity, with conversational prose akin to one long chaotic consciousness. The narrative follows Hera's journey into the workforce and her whirlwind infatuation with journalist Arthur. Hera is portrayed as a complex and likable character, challenging societal norms while succumbing to stereotypical expectations. Despite engaging prose and thought-provoking implications, the heavy focus on Hera's relationship with Arthur may overshadow other elements of the narrative for some readers. Ultimately, "Green Dot" is a compelling exploration of Hera's character and her tumultuous journey through infatuation and self-

Green Dot is a phenomenal book that perfectly describes the listlessness and boredom that you can encounter in your early twenties. The book follows Hera, who lives with her dad and doesn't have a job and simply wants to spend her life in school even though she has enough education that she cannot use it as an excuse any longer. She ends up getting a job moderating comments for a news website, where she meets Arthur, an older journalist. Hera is intrigued by Arthur and they begin messaging at work, dancing around what they are, before eventually embarking on a full-fledged affair, as it turns out that Arthur is married. The book is definitely character driven, and it is fascinating to learn more about the characters and their relationships and histories as it goes on. Hera makes incredibly frustrating choices, but she is young and in love, so it is understandable. I would highly recommend this book to fans of Sally Rooney and Ottessa Moshfegh.

I really liked the narrator and MFC point of view and the raw honesty in which it is written. As a reader, you are really involved with the MFC. The narrator speaks directly to the reader, which is different than most books. This story pointed out the generational gaps, for sure….I’m getting old! Although I could understand why choices were made, but I did not agree with any of them. I wonder if this is a personal story, one of the authors that she is now sharing. Why would someone be the mistress? Thoughts and feelings from that point of view. Interesting, but could have been more of a short story for me.
I would give 3 1/2 ⭐️

Endlessly quotable, self-aware, sarcastic. The narrative here is funny and smart and a little bit exhausting: much like one’s twenties. A lot of this book was relatable, but the desire to be seen by someone most stood out to me. I think that’s a defining characteristic of many people’s twenties; it was for mine, at least. Does Arthur see our narrator/protagonist, Hena? Will he? That question kept me reading, and I was compelled by their budding relationship. But what compelled me more was the question of whether Hena would come to see herself clearly. I found her journey, and especially the ending, to be very satisfying. Also, the relationship between Hena and her father was lovely, and I won’t soon forget it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Henry Holt & Co for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Green Dot is a beautifully written story detailing the messiness of so fully loving someone who can’t reciprocate. It is hysterical and sarcastic. It is relatable, infuriating, and heart breaking. Madeleine made me feel all the feels. I don’t think this book is for everyone. But it will mean so much to those who resonate with it.

This book gets a .5 star because you know the ending was alright.

we follow our main character as she gets her first corporate job, and of course finds a coworker attractive. and we all know how coworker flings go.

But the main character, Hera, she’s naive. She’s a little too naive, she trusts this man through every warning sign, even when she’s pieced together what’s going on she continues to build a relationship with him. and in the end, it pans out exactly like it should.

i have been steadily avoiding books that discuss COVID, and i somehow missed this book timeline deals with it. i’m not sure why, but i don’t like reading about it.

also, the writing dragged for me a little. i found myself skimming sometimes and then going back. it probably could’ve been 50 pages shorter.

First book of the year off with a bang! This was so, so captivating - a lot like watching a well-written, wryly funny car crash. It’s a story of a young, aimless woman who has an affair with a married man - a simple plot, one that’s been done before. But Gray writes her main character with such an authentic, believable, lovable, hateable, hilarious voice that is utterly addicting, and as the affair goes further and further, you want to look away but simply can’t. I really feel for her, and yet I hate her decisions, and yet I understand exactly why she does what she does. Such is the experience of being a 25 year old woman in the world. Thank you to the publisher for the ARC via NetGalley!

I read this book in one gulp on a Saturday afternoon and enjoyed every minute of it. Hera is so painfully relatable - she is funny and clever but also deeply stupid at some points, as we all can be. I felt for her and cringed for her, and every point of her relationship with Arthur is so painful and yet feels so real. I was not familiar with this author before but am eager to see what she does next - this felt like the discovery of a real new talent.

Hera lives with her divorced dad, is in her twenties, bisexual, unmarried, and has no job. When she was at school she felt the safety of structure and routine. It was when she got older and had to make real decisions about figuring out life (like what she was going to do for work) that was a mystery. As she rode the bus and watched people on their way to and from work she thought about the vapidness of their lives and whether they really found any meaning in their jobs- or were they just like automatons? I actually identified with her when she got on an elevator at a corporate job and felt like she was playing a role in a movie and not really being her true self.

Hera has a melancholy undercurrent running through her life and feels like she has to make some changes. She finally gets a job through BS-ing on some details (which she's very good at) and meets Arthur, an older guy at work. There is an obvious mutual attraction that is eventually acted upon. Hera has mostly been with women as of late, so this is a huge change for her, and they fall hard for each other. The problem is, he's married. The bulk of the book navigates this rollercoaster of emotions as Hera presses Arthur to leave his wife.

I like offbeat, imperfect characters such as Hera, who are trying to find themselves and make mistakes along the way. She was mildly depressed, but possessed an inner strength and survival instinct, and a quirky sense of humor that she could conjure up at will. This is a first novel for this author, and I thought it was a well-written, enjoyable read.

Thank you to the publisher Henry Holt & Company for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.

5 stars-There are so many reasons I loved this book! Within the first few pages I was laughing out loud, and I knew, the author and I have the same sense of humor! You had me at “I had one more chance to not be a dick, and I did not take it.” The true heart of this book is that the main character begins an affair with a married man, and the green dot is the signal that he is on Instagram and they can message…the secrets, and the justifying o friends, and the hopes and plans that he will tell his wife and they will be together. A tender statement from her dad “Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is leave, provided you’ve determined that what you might gain is more important to you than what you might lose..” The writing is phenomenal, and you feel so much for the characters. I cannot wait to read what this author writes next! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc. It was a pleasure to read and review this book!

Wow. Green Dot captivated me with its raw portrayal of love, denial, and desperation. The author skillfully immersed me in the character's emotions. A truly compelling and genuine story that left a lasting impact.

If you liked acts of desperation by Megan Dolan you will absolutely love this.

The FMC was hilarious and darkly funny but oh the hope that she had was infuriating! Funny enough I kept rooting for her.

I can’t wait to read more from Gray!

2.5 ⭐️ This started out as a lovely character study, but unfortunately lost me about 20% of the way through. Eventually it felt like I was being fed plot points and there was a lot of repetitive meeting in hotels, yearning, etc.

I gradually became less and less interested in Hera and what happened to her. Her voice shifted from relatable to smug and pathetic. If this was the intention, the author hit the nail on the head, but I didn’t particularly enjoy reading it.

The pacing threw me off a little, and I found at least half of the trendy pop culture references to be cringey and out of place.

All of that to say, I didn’t dislike the writing here, there were some wonderfully written passages that did really grip me, I just didn’t really care about either of the main characters so it was hard for me to care about the plot. Play stupid games win stupid prizes ya know?

Green Dot is all at once funny, upsetting, anxiety-inducing, and fascinating. Hera half-heartedly works as a comment moderator while flirting and then falling for her much older colleague.

Hera’s decision-making skills aren’t great but it was certainly entertaining to follow along her journey. This is a novel for fans of literary fiction, readers who enjoy rooting for characters who aren’t necessarily likeable, and anyone in the mood to reminisce about questionable choices they may have made while in their early/mid twenties.

Thank you to Henry Holt & Company and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

Publishing February 27, 2024

"I tend to overestimate my own power when I think back on this night, almost like I am trying to absolve him of guilt for what happened after."

Madeline Gray’s debut novel comes with witty banter, lighthearted remarks with deeper sentiments, and intense feelings of want. Hera begins an affair with an older, married man - and continues against her known better judgement. What comes to follow is a tale of a young woman who so desperately has to cling to hope in order to not fall apart.

I found myself with a pit in my stomach for so much of the book. I found myself wanting to yell at her, but the rose colored glasses she dons are much too opaque.

An aside - it was unnecessarily diminutive about getting to know other people when dating and makes herself out of be a “mysterious and illustrious woman that all men and woman would fall for”. It was a bit dense at times, some of the humor clunky - but ultimately did what every good story does: makes me root for her as a person.

Thank you to the author and publisher for providing an advanced copy through Netgalley.

Madeleine Gray’s character, Hera, is like the voice inside my head. I understand her so well yet I was angry as she ruined her life for Arthur even if I would have done the same. Hera is a character you root for even though you know she was lose, the classic underdog. I wish I could say this book ended happily although I knew it wouldn’t. I don’t know where Hera is headed or if she will ever find home.

An incredibly witty book that had me laughing out loud at some points, and wanting to scream at the main character at others. As a woman who was once a dumb person in their early twenties, I just wanted to slap some sense into Hera. Which means the book was effective, I think. The author beautifully put into words the thought process behind some of the worst, life-ruining mistakes one can make in their youth, while at the same time allowing you to sympathize with the person making them, no matter how morally wrong they are. Also loved all of the Simpsons references.

Madeleine’s writing pulled me in immediately. Her voice is fresh and clever. Her playful writing breathes extra life into Hera’s story.
Hera, a 24-year-old who lives with her father, has multiple degrees and no real professional experience. She begrudgingly begins a job in online comment moderation and slowly begins to befriend some of her colleagues. Her friendship with Mei Ling is fairly immediate but her slower-to-build affair with Arthur becomes the focus of the story. Despite Hera’s lack of ambition, her opinions and decisions are always strong, sharp and unwavering. This juxtaposition was handled really well and it kept me wondering what would happen next.
Ultimately, I really enjoy Madeleine’s writing style and find her voice to have a really great energy. I will definitely keep an eye out for what she writes next.

Green Dot by Madeleine Gray is an experience of a book. The main character Nera is a twenty something with her whole life in front of her and this tale joins her as she makes the decision to date a married man. It was an interesting read. Thank you netgalley for giving me the chance to read this book.