Summary

The novel opens with a list of reasons, written by the protagonist, 35-year-old comedian Andy, of why it is good that he is no longer with his former girlfriend Jen. The reasons focus mainly around issues of class, their different jobs, and Andy’s feelings about Jen’s family. The final reason listed is: “Ruined my life” (6). On Friday 5th of July 2019, Andy is staying at his mum’s house in Birmingham in the United Kingdom. He calls his ex-girlfriend Jen for a pre-arranged phone call to discuss the demise of their relationship. Jen discusses staying with her sister in the aftermath of their breakup and asks permission to write a letter to his mum to say goodbye to her. Jen tells Andy that her therapist suggested writing a list of...