Unruly parties, pill use, recording sessions - Nila aims to break free from being a model citizen
In the heart of Berlin, a 19-year-old aspiring artist named Nila dreams of escaping the city and venturing to the vibrant streets of London or New York. Born to Afghan immigrants, Nila's dreams are often overshadowed by her father's disapproval and her humble beginnings in a social housing estate.
Nila's life takes an exciting turn when she meets Marlowe, a once-successful writer who introduces her to Berlin's cultural underground. Under Marlowe's influence, Nila finds herself immersed in a world of hedonism, sex, and self-destruction, a stark contrast to her quieter days spent contemplating her future as a photographer and grappling with her identity as a young German-Afghan woman.
The novel, "Good Girl," by its author Aria Aber, offers a captivating exploration of Nila's journey. Aber, who was born in Germany but now resides in Los Angeles, masterfully weaves together the highs and lows of Nila's life, creating a narrative that feels like a single addictive trip.
The constant consumption descriptions in the novel can become somewhat tiresome over time, but they do not detract from the power of the story. "Good Girl" is much more than a party story; it also illuminates Nila's inner turmoil and struggle with her circumstances.
As Nila's life becomes increasingly entangled with Marlowe, she finds herself at risk of losing herself completely. Her weekends are filled with alcohol, drugs, and extended wakefulness, all hidden from her father who, despite his disappointment, is aware of her activities and believes that scolding, threatening, or begging won't help change her behavior.
Nila's desire to forget her past is palpable. She longs to leave behind her mother's death, her father's unhappiness, life in Berlin's outskirts, her hated job in a jazz café, the overwhelm of growing up, and the toxic relationship with an older man. Hiding her own origins becomes part of Nila's social flight, and her real name remains a secret to her friends.
The novel alternates between chapters filled with hedonism and quieter tones that focus on growing up as a young German-Afghan in Berlin, family, friendship, love, and career. These moments offer a glimpse into Nila's resilience and her unwavering determination to carve out a life for herself on her own terms.
Interestingly, the German edition of "Good Girl" followed later, translated by the author herself. The novel was first published in English and made it onto the shortlist for the British Women's Prize for Fiction 2025, a testament to its powerful storytelling and relatable characters.
In "Good Girl," Aria Aber has crafted a compelling narrative that resonates with readers, offering a raw and unfiltered look into the life of a young woman seeking freedom and self-discovery in the face of adversity.
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