Toni Jordan’s “Our Tiny, Useless Hearts” is melodrama at its best. It is loud, ridiculous and often laugh-out-loud funny. The story moves at a cracking pace, stuffed with twists, chaos, and sharp observations about love and modern life. If you go in with an open mind and a willingness to embrace the absurd, you’ll likely find it an enjoyable ride.

Jordan’s satirical jabs at Australian middle-class suburban life highlights the absurdity of social norms and human behaviour while maintaining a warmth at the story’s core. Beneath the farce, themes of love, family, and redemption help keep it grounded.

Our protagonist, Janice, is sharp, independent, and funny, holding the whole thing together with her dry wit and determination. Her perspective keeps the madness in check, even when characters like Craig and Martha stretch plausibility. Some of their antics felt too far-fetched, pulling me out of the story now and then. Still, the humour and heart managed to draw me back in.

Jordan’s dialogue is sharp and packed with wit and energy. The relationships are messy but believable, filled with real affection despite the chaos. It is refreshing to see flawed characters whose connections still feel genuine, even when they’re making a complete mess of things.

“Our Tiny, Useless Hearts” is quick, funny, and bursting with energy. It doesn’t aim to be subtle and leans heavily into its farcical elements. While it occasionally veers into territory that feels a bit too silly, it still delivers an engaging and enjoyable experience.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐