Reviews

Half a World Away by Mike Gayle

elmattcrews's review against another edition

3.0

'I suppose that's the thing about growing up... It's one thing growing out of something, it's another letting go for good.'

3.5 stars

A very sweet story with a strong message of the importance of family and unfaltering hope and love.

jessie_lou's review against another edition

emotional inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

alyssafraley's review against another edition

emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

dennasus's review against another edition

4.0

I tore through this on a long late night and the next morning. Heartbreaking, life affirming. I loved it

daniellewalsh's review against another edition

5.0

I am a big crier, but I don't tend to cry at books, however...the last quarter of this book really got me.

The story is beautifully told, alternating between two points of view, and although it is a story of family, it also deals with many issues throughout that really bring the story to life. Adoption and the care system, class, family and love.

Kerry is in her 40s, a single mum looking after her son in a small flat in London, whilst Noah is a criminal barrister, living with his wife and daughter with a seemingly 'perfect life'.

I had fallen in love with Noah's kind self and admired Kerry's attitudes and her love for her son.

The journey of the two finding each other and seeing their lives intertwine was incredibly uplifting and moving.

jim83's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Addiction, Cancer, Death, Abandonment, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Death of parent, Drug abuse, Miscarriage, and Terminal illness

ruth559's review against another edition

4.0

This book was great. An emotional ride, but with characters you really cared about. A tearjerker but not too false or hokey. It was an easy read and I finished it in two days over a weekend. It’s been on my kindle for ages so I don’t know why it took me so long to read, but I’m glad I did.

itsmeeejess's review against another edition

3.0

Everything just felt a bit flat

emmat21's review against another edition

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

thickthighs_no_lies's review against another edition

5.0

Breathtaking and heartbreaking all at once. I knew this book was going to be good just from all the reviews and recommendations it had had via goodreads, Facebook and Bookstagram but my god. I was not prepared to be so consumed with the characters and their lives. I am soft at heart as anyone who knows me well enough will say but the letters Kerry writes to her baby brother set me off from the start.
Keep some tissues to hand because I assure you that by the end of this book the box will be empty. Beautiful and delicately written.