Good Girl

A debut novel by Aria Aber, set in a Berlin that cannot escape its history. It follows Nila, the daughter of Afghan refugees, through a year of nightclubs, turbulent romance, and self-discovery. Born in Germany to immigrant parents, Nila searches for her voice while navigating the city’s techno warehouses and the shadows of the past. Her path intersects with American writer Marlowe, pulling her into a seductive but controlling orbit amidst rising racial tensions in Germany. The book explores identity, belonging, and the questions of who she wants to be, against a backdrop of cultural histories and political currents. The narrative has been recognized with notable awards and praise from major outlets, highlighting its vivid voice and cross-cultural resonance.

In Berlin, Nila’s journey toward self-definition unfolds amid a vibrant, sometimes perilous, urban landscape and the weight of intergenerational histories. The novel’s propulsion comes from its stylistic energy, emotional honesty, and willingness to confront difficult realities in love, power, and community.

Kenmerken

• Debuutroman van Aria Aber.
• Hoofdpersonage Nila, dochter van Afghaanse vluchtelingen.
• Speelt zich af in Berlijns techno-scène.
• Shortlist Women's Prize for Fiction 2025; Longlist Dublin Award.
• 368 pagina's, paperback, Bloomsbury Publishing.