Good Material

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book

• This is Alderton’s first novel from the perspective of a man. Did you find the male voice authentic?
• The novel doesn’t give Jen’s full perspective until the end. Did her section change or confirm your opinion about her?
• Alderton is well-known for writing an “agony aunt” column for the Times, particularly about relationships. To what extent does Good Material offer relationship advice?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• Who did you relate to more, Andy or Jen? Have you ever reacted to a breakup in a similar way to either of them?
• Andy, Jen, and their friends often reflect on the values and behavior of people from different generations, particularly “boomers,” “millennials,” and “Gen Z.” Where do you see these generational divides in your own life?
• The text explores the challenges of navigating early adulthood. How much did it reflect your own experience of early adulthood (whether current or in the past)?
• Andy tries many different coping mechanisms in the text to different degrees of success. What coping mechanisms work for you?
• Jen’s friendship group is extremely supportive during the breakup, while Andy’s group attempts to help in misguided and half-hearted ways. Do you think that there is a difference between friendship groups of different genders? Were your opinions reflected in the novel, or not?

3. Societal and Cultural Context

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• When the novel ends, Jen plans a year-long trip in 2020, and Andy is about to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe. The novel was published after the COVID-19 pandemic, so it’s clear that Jen won’t be able to travel, and Andy’s future performance opportunities will be canceled. How does this context affect the meaning of the text?
• The novel alludes to the British General Election in 2019, in which the Conservative Party led by Boris Johnson won a landslide victory. What perspectives does the novel offer about this political context?

4. Literary Analysis

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

• Good Material is both comedic and a novel about comedy. How does Alderton use comedy in the text?
• Alderton writes from both Andy’s and Jen’s perspectives. How do their voices differ? What stylistic elements set them apart?
• Andy undergoes significant character development. How does Alderton develop his characterization?
• What is the narrative significance of the list that Andy keeps about reasons why he’s glad that he’s no longer with Jen?
• Alderton uses several metaphors in the novel. What metaphors does she use, and to what effect?

5. Creative Engagement

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

• Everyone reacts well to Andy’s final comedy show, but the novel doesn’t transcribe any of it. Write a portion of his sketch as you imagine it.
• Alderton interviewed 15 men about their experiences before writing the novel. Regardless of your gender, conduct and write up an interview with a man in your life about their experience of a breakup. Was their experience anything like Andy’s?
• One of the novel’s subplots follows Morris attempting to get a blue plaque on his house. Do you know of a building of historical significance that hasn’t been recognized? Draft a letter to English Heritage (or your national equivalent) campaigning for its recognition.

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