In her striking debut novel, Ava Robinson delivers a poignant yet wickedly funny story about the messy journey of early sobriety. Definitely Better Now introduces us to Emma Finley, a 26-year-old New Yorker celebrating one year of sobriety while navigating the complexities of family relationships, office politics, and the daunting prospect of dating without liquid courage.
The Story: More Than Just Another Recovery Tale
Set against the backdrop of Manhattan’s bustling streets and the serene Catskill Mountains, the narrative follows Emma as she attempts to rebuild her life post-sobriety. Working as a marketing assistant at a financial consulting firm, she’s created a carefully curated professional persona – “Work Emma” – to keep her recovery private. However, her structured world begins to unravel when she’s thrust into planning the office holiday party, develops feelings for the thoughtful IT director Ben, and receives devastating news about her estranged father’s health.
Character Development: Authenticity in Every Page
Robinson excels at creating multidimensional characters who feel refreshingly real. Emma’s internal monologue is particularly well-crafted, revealing her sharp wit and vulnerability in equal measure. The author skillfully portrays the different versions of Emma – Work Emma, Drunk Emma, and the emerging Sober Emma – as she struggles to integrate these disparate parts of herself into a whole person.
Supporting Cast That Shines
The secondary characters are equally well-drawn, from Emma’s mother, who’s finally finding love after years of single parenthood, to Lola, her initially supportive but ultimately limiting AA sponsor. Ben stands out as a love interest who defies typical romantic hero tropes – he’s kind and patient but has his own complicated history with grief and loss.
Strengths: Where the Novel Truly Excels
Authentic Voice and Humor
Robinson’s greatest achievement is her ability to balance heavy themes with genuine humor. The writing never feels forced or artificial, even in its darkest moments. Emma’s observations about office culture and AA meetings are particularly sharp and entertaining.
Complex Family Dynamics
The novel’s exploration of family relationships is nuanced and affecting. Emma’s complicated relationship with her father, who chose a bohemian lifestyle in the Catskills over city life with his family, is especially well-handled. The author resists easy answers or neat resolutions, instead showing how understanding and forgiveness can coexist with hurt and disappointment.
Fresh Take on Recovery
Unlike many recovery narratives that focus solely on the journey to sobriety, Definitely Better Now explores what happens after achieving that initial milestone. Robinson portrays the challenges of early recovery with honesty and insight, showing how sobriety affects everything from professional relationships to romantic encounters.
Areas for Improvement
Pacing in the Middle Section
The novel occasionally loses momentum in its middle section, particularly during some of the office party planning sequences. While these scenes serve to develop the romance between Emma and Ben, they sometimes feel repetitive.
Secondary Plot Resolution
A few secondary storylines, particularly involving Emma’s former best friend Susannah, feel somewhat unresolved. While this might reflect the reality of how some relationships naturally fade, readers might wish for more closure.
Writing Style and Technical Execution
Robinson’s prose is crisp and contemporary, with a natural flow that makes the pages turn easily. Her dialogue is particularly strong, capturing the distinct voices of different characters while maintaining authenticity. The author shows remarkable skill in handling multiple timelines, weaving Emma’s past seamlessly into her present narrative.
Themes and Deeper Meanings
Identity and Authenticity
The novel explores how we present different versions of ourselves to the world and the exhaustion of maintaining these facades. Emma’s journey toward integrating her various personas into an authentic whole is compelling and relatable.
Growth Through Imperfection
Robinson challenges the idea that personal growth follows a linear path. Through Emma’s story, we see how progress often comes through accepting imperfection rather than achieving perfection.
Romance and Relationships
The love story between Emma and Ben develops naturally and believably. Their connection feels genuine, with both characters bringing their own baggage and insecurities to the relationship. Robinson avoids typical romantic comedy tropes while still delivering satisfying romantic tension and resolution.
Social Commentary
The novel offers subtle but effective commentary on workplace culture, social media presentation, and the expectations placed on young women in contemporary society. Robinson’s observations about class differences in New York City and the various ways people seek meaning in their lives are particularly astute.
Target Audience and Appeal
While Definitely Better Now will particularly resonate with readers in their twenties and thirties navigating similar life transitions, its themes of self-discovery and family relationships have universal appeal. The book offers valuable insights for anyone interested in recovery literature, contemporary women’s fiction, or stories about personal growth.
Comparative Literature
Fans of Lily King’s Writers & Lovers or Kiley Reid’s Such a Fun Age will appreciate Robinson’s blend of humor and depth in tackling contemporary issues. The novel also shares DNA with recovery memoirs like Leslie Jamison’s The Recovering, while maintaining its own distinct voice and perspective.
Impact and Significance
Robinson’s debut makes a meaningful contribution to contemporary fiction by offering a fresh perspective on recovery, relationships, and self-discovery. The novel’s greatest strength lies in its ability to tackle serious themes while maintaining warmth and humor.
Recommendation
Despite some minor pacing issues, Robinson has crafted a memorable debut that manages to be both entertaining and profound. The novel is particularly recommended for:
- Readers who enjoy contemporary women’s fiction with depth
- Anyone interested in stories about personal growth and recovery
- Fans of complex family dynamics in literature
- Those who appreciate humor mixed with serious themes
Final Thoughts
Ava Robinson’s debut novel announces the arrival of a promising new voice in contemporary fiction. Definitely Better Now succeeds in being both entertaining and meaningful, offering insights about recovery, relationships, and self-discovery that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page. The author’s ability to balance humor with emotional depth, combined with her keen observations about modern life, makes this a standout debut that leaves readers eager to see what she’ll write next.