Nina

Nina Dean is the first-person narrator and protagonist of Alderton’s novel, Ghosts. At the outset of the narrative, Nina turns thirty-two years old. While she is satisfied with her career, as a published author, proud of her ability to purchase a flat in London, and thankful for her friendships, she still craves a romantic partnership. After birthday drinks with her friends, the narrator downloads a dating app, Linx, and sets up an online dating profile for the first time. On her first date, with Max, Nina is “reminded of how annoyingly delicious patronizing traditions of heteronormativity [can] be” (41). While she values her independence, she also craves the sensation of protection she feels around Max. As their relationship progresses, Nina feels the security and comfort that she has craved as an adult. Her father’s worsening illness and strained relationship with Katherine have left her without a sense...