Okay Days

By: Jenny Mustard

Narrated by: David Wayman, Kaisa Hammarlund

A smart, sexy and spiky modern love story, from debut novelist and influencer Jenny Mustard.

Sam is 28, Swedish and spending the summer in London, working for a top marketing agency. Over the course of the sticky summer months, she falls hard for Lucas, a man she first met as a teenager. Lucas is working at a boutique clothing store whilst trying to get a foot on the corporate ladder, and struggling to hold the pieces of his life together. Sam is a gorgeous distraction. But you can only avoid reality for so long, and both Sam and Lucas know their relationship can't last. Nobody can be this happy forever, surely?

Okay Days tells the story of the rise and fall of Sam and Lucas's affection for each other, looks unflinchingly at male body dysmorphia and women's reproductive rights, and the pitfalls of modern love. When is okay good enough? And what are we willing to lose in the search for a life that is much better than just okay?

©2023 Jenny Mustard (P)2023 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Critic reviews

"Reading Okay Days is like drinking the ideal lime cordial, sweetness clarified by sharpness." (Rowan Hisayo Buchanan, author of Harmless Like You)

"Jenny Mustard's writing is fresh and sharply observant. A writer full of insights on the human condition and relationships, I loved the off-kilter tone, and clever shifts in perspective between Lucas and Sam. Mustard is definitely reminiscent of Sally Rooney and Naoise Dolan but Okay Days is ultimately a slice of a new writer. She has her very own original rhythms; a smart eye for detail and compelling insights into love and life. One of the most intriguing books I've read in some time." (Elaine Feeney, author of As You Were)

"A beautiful, bruising novel about love, sex and finding your place in the world. Okay Days is tender and humorous and ultimately uplifting. Sam and Lucas are unforgettable. Simply brilliant." (Molly Aitken, author of The Island Child)

Thank you!

An unusual heartwarming reading for people in their 20s feeling a bit lost in love and relationships. I felt seen and welcomed hearing about thoughts and experiences I currently live in my day to day. It pictures complex emotional labour in a relatable and accesible way, making space for the reader (or listener) to question their own relationships. I really loved it!

Breath of fresh air

It feels like a glimpse into the characters lives and leaves off with the feeling of going on forever.

Cute and romantic

Very Jenny, soft and edgy all at once. Love the writing and the voices! Projected a bit of myself and my current relationship into thé characters

Lovely prose and superb characters

Aside from the great performance from these readers, the writing must be remarked upon. The whole novel is summer incarnate and it’s sticky sweet and sensitive while being funny and sharp. Highly recommend if you enjoyed Conversation with Friends by Sally Rooney. The writing is just as delicate and realistic.

Unique story

Comfortable narrators to listen to. I liked that there were different ones for the two main characters. Every chapter alternates between the perspective of Sam and Luke. The characters in the story are very likeable and feels real and human. I'm hoping for more books from Jenny Mustard, this went by so quickly!

Enjoyed it

Clean, calm (literally no drama), and minimalistisch. A great choice for a pleasant afternoon listen. Should I also say "Recommend, recommend".